Black Limba

Botanical Name

Terminalia superba

Other Common Names

Afara, Ofram, Akom, Frake.

Region

Cameroon, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Zaire.

Country

Africa

The Tree

Reaches a height of 150 ft; boles straight and clear to 90 ft; trunk diameters 4 to 8 ft above buttresses. Brittle heart present in some logs.

Appearance

The color has varying degrees of brown to black, with a tinge of orange streaking. The heartwood may have grey-black streaks.

Properties

Black Limba is a close, straight-grained timber that can sometimes have interlocked or wavy grain that produces excellent figure. It has a moderately coarse texture and open pores that require filling for a smooth surface.

Working Properties

Black Limba is relatively soft and easy to work. It nails, screws and glues well. It is similar in weight and density to mahogany. It stains well and is suited to a variety of finishes.

Uses

It is used for cabinetry, furniture, plywood, moldings, paneling.

Availability

Limba veneer and lumber are plentiful and are readily available at a moderate price.