Ekki
Colour
Durability
Density in kg/m3
The TreeEkki is a large tree, attaining a height of 45 to 50m and a diameter of 1.5m.
The TimberThe sapwood is pale pink and sharply defined from the heart-wood, which is red-brown to dark brown with a somewhat speckled appearance due to white deposits in the pores. The grain is usually interlocked and the texture is coarse. The wood is extremely hard and heavy, weighing 960 to 1120 kg/m3 when dried.
DryingVery difficult to dry and generally shakes badly; serious degrade is likely, especially surface checking and end splitting. Needs to be piled with special care.
Working QualitiesDifficult - Very difficult to work with hand tools, but can be worked by machines with less trouble. Must be pre-bored for nailing.
Latin NameLophira alata
Also known asBongossi (Camersoons), kaku (Ghana), azobe (Ivory Coast), akoura (Gabon), eba (Nigeria), hendui (Sierra Leone)
Wood TypeHardwood
TreatabilityExtremely difficult
MoistureLarge
TextureCoarse
OriginSierra Leone, Nigeria, Cameroon
Related Case Studies
Sourcing timber
The TDUK Wood Species Database provides practical information on wood species currently or recently available in the UK market.
Before importing any species listed, you must carry out due diligence to ensure compliance with environmental, social and legal standards, including CITES – the international agreement protecting endangered species.
When buying from existing stock, always source through a TDUK member, who will have completed the required due diligence, including CITES checks.
If a species is no longer commercially available, TDUK members can advise on legal, sustainable alternatives that match desired characteristics such as colour, appearance or density.
