Kosipo (scientific name: Entandrophragma candollei), with the wood name "Big Entandrophragma" (commonly known as False Sapele, Kosipo). For logs, those from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have the codes KO/KOS, and those from Equatorial Guinea have the code 17# Wood. For logs from Cameroon in Central Africa, the tree species needs to be identified based on the wood's appearance characteristics and practical experience. (The codes are for reference only; the wood's appearance characteristics still need to be considered for accurate species identification.)
Kosipo is a high-grade hardwood mainly originating from West Africa and Central Africa, belonging to the Entandrophragma genus of the Meliaceae family. Its commercial names include Kosipo, Heavy Sapele, Penkwa-akowaa, etc. In the international timber market, it is often used as an alternative material to Sapelli.
It is native to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Central African Republic, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and other regions. The tree is tall and evergreen, which can reach a height of up to 60 meters and a diameter at breast height (DBH) of over 2 meters, with prominent buttress roots. The bark is thick and soft, grayish-brown on the surface, and forms pit-like depressions when shed. The inner bark is light reddish-brown, with well-developed sclereids distributed in a layered pattern.
Difference between heartwood and sapwood: Distinct. The heartwood is dark reddish-brown initially, and gradually turns into deep red over time; the sapwood is white to light grayish-brown, prone to blue stain, with a width of approximately 6–10 cm.
Grain and structure: Interlocked grain, medium texture, with luster.
Special features: The axial parenchyma presents as tangential bands; the vessel elements contain dark gum. This is the only species in the genus that contains silica.
Physical and Mechanical Properties
Air-dry density: 0.63–0.69 g/cm³
Moderate strength with high drying shrinkage rate
Processing performance: Slightly difficult in sawing, but excellent in rotary cutting and slicing; superior in nailing, sanding, gluing, and finishing properties
Dries slowly and is prone to deformation and warping, requiring careful handling
Moderate decay resistance; preservative treatment is required for outdoor use
Main Applications
Kexipu wood is suitable for manufacturing various high-end wood products, including:
• High-grade furniture and interior decoration (widely used in Yunnan Province)
• Decorative veneers and plywood
• Blockboards and solid wood flooring
• Internal structures of ships and train carriages
• Chopping board materials
• Coffin wood (Shoucai, a respectful term for coffin in Chinese culture)
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WENGE AD/KD lumbers
Thickness: 25mm/50mm
Width: random width
Length: 2400 CM up
Quality: FAS
Origin: CONGO
Quantity: 1000 m3 can be ordered
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