Aucoumea klaineana
- Gaboon redirects here. See also the Gaboon viper.
- Okoumé redirects here. See also Okoumé (band) for the Quebec-based group.
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Aucoumea klaineana (Angouma, Gaboon, or Okoumé) is a flowering plant in the family Burseraceae, native to equatorial west Africa in Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, and Rio Muni. It is a medium-sized hardwood tree growing to 30-40 m tall, rarely larger, with a trunk 1-2.5 m diameter above the often large basal buttresses.
Uses
It is a weak wood with low decay resistance and moderate dimensional stability, the major use of Gaboon is in the manufacture of plywood. Its attractive appearance means that it is often used decoratively as the top surface veneer in panelling and furniture or, in solid form in luxury items such as boxes for cigars or other high value items (e.g. audio equipment).
Gaboon plywood is also used in the French aircraft industry to make light aeroplanes, such as those built by Robin. It was used extensively to manufacture the Jodel range of aircraft, which are popular throughout Europe but no longer factory-built. However, the wood's open grain, flexibility and light weight make it a popular choice for amateur builders of Jodel aircraft to this day.
References
- Template:IUCN2006 Listed as Vulnerable (VU A1cd v2.3)
- Profiles of Africa Tree Species: Aucoumea klaineana
