Wild Olive (Olea africana)

 

Family - Oleaceae

 

Distribution - Southern Africa

 

Other Names: Olea europaea.

 

Characteristics: The wood is close-grained and very hard. The sapwood is whitish to pale bfown, the heartwood is very attractive, dark golden- to reddish- brown with beautiful dark figuring. The timber weighs about 710 kg/m3 when dried.

 

Working Qualities: The timber is easy to saw, glue, screw and nail. Polishes and stains fairly well.

 

Uses: Furniture, decorative pieces, turnery.