Colour
Durability
Density in kg/m3
The TreeA fairly large tree some 27m to 30m high with a long, cylindrical bole, about 15m high, above the sharp buttress, and with a diameter of about 0.75m.
The TimberThe sapwood is light brown with a pinkish tinge and is sharply defined from the heartwood, which is reddish-brown and has a lustrous surface; it has a fine texture, and the grain is typically interlocked and this produces a ribbon figure, the striped appearance on quarter-sawn material resembling sapele. It is hard and fairly heavy, being about 750 kg/m3 when dried. Planed surfaces have a somewhat greasy feel.
DryingDries fairly well with some tendency to warp. Care must be taken to avoid over-rapid drying or there may be a danger of casehardening with 'ribbing' of the surface.
StrengthIt is a very strong and elastic timber and some of its mechanical properties are similar to those of European ash. It is however, significantly weaker than ash in its resistance to impact loads and cannot be recommended in place of ash for the most exacting purposes.
Working QualitiesGood - Danta works well with most tools, but has a tendency to pick up on quarter-sawn material. It turns excellently and takes a good finish and polishes well.
Latin NameNesogordonia papaverifera
Also known asotutu (Nigeria), kotibe (Ivory coast), olborbora (Gabon), ovoue (Cameroons), tsanya (Zaire)
Wood TypeHardwood
TreatabilityExtremely Difficult
MoistureMedium
TextureFine
OriginNigeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana
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.
