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Dibetou (Lovoa trichilioides)
Overview
Dibetou, also known as African Walnut, is a tropical hardwood from West Africa, primarily found in countries like Gabon and Cameroon. It is characterized by its yellow-brown to dark brown color, often with black streaks, and a fine, interlocked grain. This makes it visually similar to European walnut and popular for decorative applications. Dibetou is moderately durable and works well for furniture making, veneers, and interior woodwork.
The wood is yellow brown or grey brown with black streaks or veins taking a golden glint. Black deposits in the pores; ring shakes and brittleheart are possible in some logs. It has clearly demarcated sapwood. The grain is interlocked and the texture is fine.
The blunting effect is normal and peeling and slicing is reported to be good. Difficulties due to interlocked grain in planing (tearing). Keep sharp tools. Ribbon like aspects on quartersawn. Sawdust may be irritant. Nailing is good and gluing is correct. Risks of end checks. Dibetou dries rapid to normal. Existing shakes tend to slightly extend. Risk of end checks.
Durability Dibetou is moderately to poorly durable to fungi and is durable to dry wood borers; sapwood demarcated (risk limited to sapwood).
| Species | Dibetou (*Lovoa trichilioides) |
| Origin | Africa |
| Grade | AIC |
| Thickness | 18mm to 300mm |
| Width | 40mm to 300mm |
| Length | 4m to 8m |
| Drying | KD, AD |
| Prominent Uses | 
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Description & Distribution
Lovoa trichilioides, also called African walnut, Congowood, dibetou or tigerwood, is a species of tree in the family Meliaceae found in Central Africa. The tree is found in Angola, Cameroon, the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Physical Characteristics
Crushing Strength: 47MPa (+/- 8)
Specific Gravity (at 12% MC): 0.53 g/cm3 (+/- 0.06)
Stability : Stable
Static bending strength: 72MPa ( +/- 13)
Durability and resistance
Dry Wood Borers : Class D - Durable
Fungi: Class 3-4 - Moderately to poorly durable
Termites: Class S - Susceptible
Treatability: Class 3-4 - Poorly or not permeable
Typical Applications
● Cabinetwork (high class furniture)
● Sliced veneer
● Veneer for back or face of plywood
● Turned goods
● Light carpentry
● Current furniture or furniture components
● Interior panelling
● Interior joinery
● Seats
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