Koto
Colour
Durability
Density in kg/m3
The TreeA medium sized, fairly slender tree above the rather heavy butresses. If grows to a height of 23m to 30m with a diameter of 0.5m to 0.75m. P.bequaertii has a density of 670kg/m3 and P.macrocarpa has a density of 580kg/m3.
The TimberThere is no distinction between the sapwood and heartwood and the timber is cream in colour, sometimes with a greyish tint. The texture is coarse and the grain interlocked.
DryingNeeds to be dried quickly after conversion in order to avoid fungal staining. Although it dries rapidly, it has a tendency for surface checking to occur.
StrengthSimilar to European ash in most strength properties, but is inferior to that wood in hardness, toughness and especially splitting.
Latin NamePterygota bequaertii, Pterygota macrocarpa
Also known asKefe (Nigeria), Awari (Ghana)
Wood TypeHardwood
TreatabilityEasy
MoistureMedium
TextureCoarse interlocked grain
OriginNigeria, Cameroon
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.
