Dabema (Piptadeniastrum africanum) Wood
Dabema (*Piptadeniastrum africanum*), also known by local names such as Dahoma or Atui, is an African hardwood recognized for its light brown to golden brown heartwood, which can sometimes exhibit a ribbon-like appearance on quartersawn surfaces. It features a coarse texture and a marked interlocked grain. The sapwood is clearly demarcated from the heartwood.
This timber has a specific gravity of 0.70 and a Monnin hardness of 4.4, making it moderately hard. Dabema is rated as moderately durable against fungi (Class 3) and durable against termites (Class D) and dry wood borers (heartwood). However, it is poorly permeable to preservative treatments. Drying is normal to slow, with a high risk of distortion and checking; surface drying before kiln drying is recommended. Machining has a normal blunting effect, but the sawdust is very irritant, and quartersawing is advised to minimize distortion. An ammoniac odor is present when the wood is green or rewetted.
Specifications
- Species: Dabema (*Piptadeniastrum africanum*).
- Color & Grain: Heartwood is light brown to golden brown; grain is markedly interlocked with a coarse texture.
- Durability: Moderately durable against fungi (Class 3 EN); durable against dry wood borers (heartwood) and termites (Class D EN).
- Physical Properties (12% MC): Specific gravity 0.70; Monnin hardness 4.4; Volumetric shrinkage 0.55%.
- Drying & Machining: Normal to slow drying with high risk of distortion/checking. Normal blunting effect; ordinary or alloy steel sawteeth recommended. Very irritant sawdust.
Applications
- Heavy carpentry, wood frame houses, and glued laminated structures.
- Industrial or heavy flooring, as well as vehicle or container flooring.
- Exterior paneling and interior stairs.
- Current furniture, furniture components, and veneer for plywood (interior, back, or face).
Dabema is a versatile wood suitable for various structural and utility applications, and can sometimes serve as a substitute for Oak. Due to its odor when green or wet and irritant sawdust, appropriate handling and consideration for end-use are important. Preservative treatment is recommended for uses involving risk of temporary humidification.
With its golden brown tones and robust characteristics, Dabema serves well in heavy-duty applications, though care should be taken during processing due to its irritant sawdust and when considering its distinct odor.