Wenge

Zaire, Cameroon, Gabon, the southern regions of Tanzania, and Mozambique. It is also found in the swampy forests of the Congo region.

The sapwood is pale yellow or whitish in color, and is clearly demarcated from the heartwood. 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. The grain is fairly straight to slightly roey. The appearance of the wood has been described as expressive. The wood is medium to coarse in texture.

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