Movingui (Distemonanthus benthamianus) Wood
Movingui (*Distemonanthus benthamianus*), also known as Ayan or Barre, is a distinctive African hardwood characterized by its lemon-yellow to yellow-brown heartwood, sometimes featuring highly figured patterns. With a medium texture and a slight interlocked grain, this timber offers a unique aesthetic for a variety of applications. Its sapwood is clearly demarcated.
Movingui is a moderately durable wood, showing moderate resistance to fungi and termites. The heartwood is durable against dry wood borers. It has a specific gravity of 0.73 and a Monnin hardness rating of 5.6. While it dries at a normal rate with slight risks of distortion or checking, machining Movingui presents a high blunting effect, so stellite-tipped sawteeth and tungsten carbide cutting tools are recommended. Due to its irregular grain, filling is also advised to achieve a superior finish. Pre-boring is necessary for nailing and screwing. Note that Movingui contains water-soluble yellow extracts that can stain materials in contact with the wood under moist conditions.
Specifications
- Species: Movingui (*Distemonanthus benthamianus*).
- Color & Grain: Heartwood is lemon-yellow to yellow-brown; grain is slightly interlocked. Sapwood is clearly demarcated.
- Durability: Moderately durable (fungi class 3 EN standards, termites class M EN standards). Heartwood is durable against dry wood borers.
- Physical Properties (12% MC): Specific gravity 0.73; Monnin hardness 5.6; Volumetric shrinkage 0.54%.
- Machining: High blunting effect on tools; stellite-tipped sawteeth and tungsten carbide tools are recommended. Filling is advised for a better finish.
Applications
- Interior and exterior joinery, as well as interior and exterior paneling.
- Furniture, high-class cabinetwork, and sliced veneer for decorative purposes.
- Flooring and stairs (inside).
- Wood frame houses, light carpentry, vehicle or container flooring, and shingles.
Despite some machining challenges, Movingui's attractive appearance and moderate durability make it suitable for a wide range of end-uses, from construction elements like wood frame houses and flooring to decorative applications such as cabinetwork and veneer. Appropriate preservative treatment is recommended for uses where there is a risk of temporary or permanent humidification.
With its distinct lemon-yellow to yellow-brown hue and sometimes highly figured grain, Movingui offers a vibrant look, but careful machining and finishing are key to unlocking its full potential.