Limba

Botanical Name

Terminalia superba

Other Common Names

Korina, Afara, Ofram, Akom, Frake.

Region

Africa

Country

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

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

Heartwood yellow brown, sometimes with nearly black markings producing an attractive figure; sapwood not distinct from heartwood.

Properties

Texture moderately coarse; grain straight to irregular or interlocked; slightly lustrous; mild odor. Dark colored figured wood is marketed separately as Black Limba.

Working Properties

It is relatively easy to work with but splits easily when nailed or screwed and should be pre-bored. It stains, polishes and glues well and makes a nice veneer.

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.