Shedua

Botanical Name

Guibourtia ehie

Other Common Names

Ovangkol, Mozambique, Amazakoue, Amazoue, Ehie

Region

Africa

Country

Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria

The Tree

Impressive mature trees are reported to reach heights of 100 to 150 feet, with trunk diameters of 4 to 7 feet. The trees are usually straight, and clear of branches to 50 to 100 feet.

Appearance

The heartwood is described to vary from yellow brown to dark brown or chocolate brown, with gray to almost black stripes.

Properties

Moderately coarse, and interlocked grain that produces striped and, sometimes, curly figure. Hard, heavy and takes a glass-like finish.

Working Properties

Overall a fairly easy wood to work, though Shedua contains silica and can therefore dull cutters prematurely. Also, if the grain is interlocked, or if there is other figure present in the wood, planning and other machining operations may be troublesome and cause tear out. Turns, glues and finishes well.

Uses

Furniture, cabinets, flooring, veneer, guitars and musical instruments, jewelry boxes, decorative projects.

Availability

Somewhat expensive, but not on the extreme end. Available through specialty wood dealers.