Kiaat (Pterocarpus angolensis)

 

Family - Leguminosae

  

Distribution - Tanzania, Zambia, Angola, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

 

Other Names: Ambila, Bloodwood, Brown African padauk, Girassonde, Imbilo, Kajaat, Kajat, Kajatenhout, Kejaat, Kiatt, Maninga, Mavamaropa, Mbila, Mlombwa, Mninga, Moroto, Mtumbati, Mukurambira, Mukwa, Mulambi, Mulombe, Mulombwa, Munhaneca, Muninga, Mutete, Mututi, Muzwamaloa, N'dombe, Rhodesian walnut, Sealing wax tree, Thondo, Thondu, Thordo, Transvaal kajatenhout, Umbila, Umvagaz, Umvangazi

 

Characteristics: The heartwood is brown in colour with irregular reddish streaks. Fairly soft and light in weight at 640 Kg / M3 when dried. The sapwood which is rather wide is oatmeal in colour, the grain is straight to interlocked, and the texture is medium.

 

Working Qualities: Easy to saw and work, the wood turns well, it has good nailing and screwing properties and takes a good polish.

 

Uses: Kiaat is an attractive timber, suitable for panelling, high-class joinery and furniture and flooring.