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Tree Data
The tree is described as medium sized, and attains a height of 50 to 60 feet (15 to 18 m) and a trunk diameter of 30 to 36 inches (75 to 100 cm).

Sapwood Color
The sapwood is pale yellow or whitish in color, and is clearly demarcated from the heartwood.

Heartwood Color
The heartwood is dark brown, mostly black, with fine, closely spaced, very dark veins and white lines. The combination of white bands against the dark wood with black streaks gives Wenge a very attractive appearance. Color variation between boards is reported to be moderate. Light & Air-Induced Changes Exposure lightens the dark color of the wood, and lumber is reported to be occasionally left in the sun on purpose to lighten the color (sometimes requested by importers of Wenge).

Grain
The grain is fairly straight to slightly roey. The appearance of the wood has been described as expressive.

Texture
The wood is medium to coarse in texture.

Odor
There is no distinctive odor or taste.

Luster
Luster is reported to be low.

Movement in Service
The wood is rated as fairly stable, but there are reports of significant movement in use in actual installations.

Natural Durability
The heartwood is reported to be durable and is resistant to termites. Resistance to Impregnation The heartwood is reported to be highly resistant to preservative treatment but the sapwood is treatable.

Natural Growth Defects
Brittleheart is sometimes present in the wood, as are bore holes. The latter tends to reduce the volume of quality material from logs.

Weathering
Resistance to the harmful effects of the weather is reported to be high, which makes Wenge suitable for some exterior applications.

Toxic Constituents
Sawdust from machining operations is reported to cause dermatological and respiratory problems in some individuals.

Veneering Qualities
The porous nature of the wood is reported to make Wenge a rather difficult wood to slice. It requires smooth cutting, and quality material is reported to be rather difficult to obtain. Wenge is reported to be too heavy to be used for plywood manufacture.

Strength Properties
Strength properties of the timber are reported to vary with density, but bending strength in the air-dry condition is generally very high. Strength qualities in compression parallel to grain are exceptionally high. It is moderately hard and resistant to wearing and marring. Weight and density are very high. Wenge is reported to be a suitable substitute for Hickory (Carya ) for the production of sporting goods.

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