African Rosewood (Guibourtia coleosperma)

 

Family - Leguminosae

 

Distribution - Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Namibia, Zambia,& Zimbabwe.

 

Other Names: Bastermopane, False mopane, Machibi, Mchibi, Mehibi, Mtjibi, Muchiva, Mucibe, Mushibi, Musibi, Mussibi, Mussive, Muxibe, Muzaule, Muzauli, Muzauri, Muzzibi, Rhodesian copalwood, Umtshibi.

 

Characteristics: The sapwood is narrow and white in colour, the heartwood is a rich pink - red, turning red - brown with age, streaked with mauve to purplish markings. It weighs on average 800 Kg / m3 when dry. 

 

Working Qualities: Works well and takes a good polish.

 

Uses: Flooring, furniture, veneer, cabinet-making, Joinery and turnery.