Koto

Koto

TREE DATA: The tree is reported to attain a height of 120 to 135 feet (37 to 40 m), with a trunk diameter of 24 to 48 inches (60 to 120 cm). It develops straight and well formed boles that are often clear of branches for about 40 to 80 feet (12 to 24 m). Buttresses are usually large and may rise to a height of about 20 feet (6 m).

REGION: Africa.

COUNTRY: Cameroon, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Zaire.

SAPWOOD COLOR: Sapwood is pale yellow in color, and is not clearly demarcated from the heartwood.

HEARTWOOD COLOR: The heartwood is creamy-white in color, with a grayish tint.

COMMON USES: Decorative veneer, Decorative plywood, Joinery, Furniture components, Broom handles, Dining-room furniture, Drawer sides, Kitchen cabinets, Plywood, Veneer, etc.

MOVEMENT IN SERVICE: Seasoned wood is reported to have moderate dimensional stability, and exhibits medium movement in use.

STRENGTH PROPERTIES: The species has high bending strength in the air-dry condition (about 12 percent moisture content). It compares favorably with Teak, which also has high bending strength. Strength in compression parallel to grain is in the high range. Other species in this range include Teak, White oak, and Hard maple. It is moderately hard and resistant to wearing and marring. It is a heavy wood. The wood has high density.