Colour
Durability
Density in kg/m3
The TreeMedium-sized tree, 15m to 18m in height with a diameter up to 1.0m.
The TimberSapwood whitish, heartwood dark brown with fine, close blackish veining, giving the wood a handsome appearance. A very hard and heavy wood, it weighs about 880 kg/m3 when dried (panga panga is slightly lighter in weight at 800 kg/m3). Straight grained, it has a rather coarse texture.
DryingDries slowly and requires care if surface checking is to be avoided.
StrengthThe wood is stated to have good resistance to bending and to shock.
Working QualitiesGood - Reported to be easy to work, but difficult to polish.
Latin NameMillettia laurentii, Millettia stuhlmannii
Also known aspanga panga, palissandre du Congo, dikela (Zaire)
Wood TypeHardwood
TreatabilityExtremely Difficult
MoistureSmall
TextureCoarse
OriginZaire, East Africa
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.
