What is afrormosia?

Afromosia (Pericopsis elata) is a hardwood tree species native to tropical Africa. It is a large tree that can reach up to 60 meters in height, with a trunk diameter of up to 2 meters. Afromosia trees are found in dense rainforests in West and Central Africa, including Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.

Afromosia wood is characterized by its distinctive golden-yellow to light brown color, which darkens over time to a rich reddish-brown. The wood is hard, heavy, and durable, with a straight or interlocked grain that gives it a highly attractive and decorative appearance. It is a popular choice for high-end furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and veneers.

Afromosia's excellent durability and resistance to decay make it a favored species for outdoor use, such as decking, boat building, and exterior construction. It is also highly valued for its strength and stability, making it a popular choice for heavy structural applications.

Due to over-harvesting and illegal logging in some African countries, afromosia is listed as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Sustainable management of afromosia forests is essential to ensure the long-term availability of this valuable hardwood species.