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Iroko (Chorophora excelsa)
Overview
Iroko (Yoruba: Ìrókò) is a large hardwood tree from the west coast of tropical Africa that can live up to 500 years. This is the common name for the genus Milicia, in which there are two recognized species, which are closely related: Milicia excelsa and Milicia regia.
The genus name of Milicia is in honour of Milici (19th and 20th centuries), an administrator in Portuguese East Africa (in modern-day Mozambique) who supported the work of the author of the genus, Thomas Robertson Sim. It was first described and published in Forest Fl. Port. E. Afr. on page 97 in 1909.
The tree is known to the Yoruba as ìrókò, logo or loko and is believed to have healing properties. Iroko is known to the Igbo people as ọjị wood. It is one of the woods sometimes referred to as African teak, although it is unrelated to the teak family. The wood colour is initially yellow but darkens to a richer copper brown over time.
| Species | Iroko (*Chorophora excelsa) |
| Origin | Africa |
| Grade | AIC |
| Thickness | 18mm to 300mm |
| Width | 40mm to 300mm |
Length | 4m to 8m |
| Drying | KD, AD |
Prominent uses |  |
Description & Distribution
Iroko (Chlorophora excelsa) is a large, majestic tree native to the rainforests of West Africa, growing up to 50–60 meters tall with a broad, straight trunk and rough, fissured grayish bark. It features broad, elliptical green leaves, small fragrant flowers, and woody fruits that contain seeds dispersed by animals. This species is predominantly found in countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and Gabon, thriving in humid, well-drained soils under high rainfall conditions. Widely distributed across West and Central African regions, iroko plays a vital role in its ecosystem and is highly valued for its durable and attractive timber used in furniture, flooring, and construction.
Physical Characteristics
Crushing Strength: 54 MPa (+/-0.0 6)
Specific Gravity (at 12% MC): 0.64 g/cm3 (+/- 0.06)
Stability: Moderately stable
Static bending strength: 87 MPa (+/- 0.15)
Durability and resistance
Dry Wood Borers : Class D - Durable - sapwood demarcated
Fungi: Class 1-2 - Very durable to durable
Termites: Class D - Durable
Treatability: Class 4 - Not permeable
Typical Applications
● Bridges (parts not in contact with water or ground)
● Cabinetwork (high class furniture)
● Cooperage
● Current furniture or furniture components
● Decking
● Exterior joinery
● Flooring
● glued laminated
● Interior joinery
● Interior panelling
● light carpentry
● Ship building (planking and deck)
● Sliced veneer
● Stairs (inside)
● Turned goods
● Vehicle or container flooring
● Veneer for back or face of plywood
● Veneer for interior of plywood
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