Wenge

Taxobox
name = Wenge

---

image_width = 240px
status = EN
status_system = iucn2.3
regnum = Plantae
phylum = Tracheophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
ordo = Fabales
familia = Legumenosae
genus = "Millettia"
species = "M. laurentii"
binomial = "Millettia laurentii"
binomial_authority =

Wenge (pronounced "wengay" IPAEng|ˈwɛŋɡeɪ) wood (also known as palissandre d'Afrique/du Congo (African/Congolese rosewood), faux ebenier, dikela, mibotu, bokonge and awong) is a tropical timber of the wenge tree ("Millettia laurentii") from Africa. The tree's heartwood is very dark and dense (specific gravity of 0.88) with a coarse grain and a pattern of nearly black grains separated by dark brown grains. Its sapwood is distinct, being pale yellow. The tree is native to the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Gabon, Tanzania, and Mozambique. The trees grow to a height of approximately 20 meters with a trunk of up to 1 meter in diameter. The wood's figure is very distinctive, with a strong partridge pattern; its appearance has gone in and out of fashion.

Uses

Alembic guitars of California has used this wood on numerous occasions for custom instruments. Also, Warwick electric basses use it for fingerboards.

The wood is popular in woodturning, especially for segmented woodturning due to its dimensional stability and the color contrast when mixed with lighter woods such as maple.

The wood is sometimes used in the making of archery bows. In particular as a laminate in production of a flatbow. It can also be used in the making of rails or pin blocks on a hammered dulcimer.

When used in the flooring industry, it is one of the hardest woods in use due to its high impact strength and durability.

Endangerment and status

This species is endangered according to IUCN Red List, Category EN A1cd. Main reasons are destruction of its habitat and over-exploitation for timber. [ [http://www.iucnredlist.org/search/details.php/33219/all African Regional Workshop (Conservation & Sustainable Management of Trees, Zimbabwe) 1998. Millettia laurentii. In: IUCN 2006. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.] ] .

Health hazards

The dust given off when cutting or sanding Wengé can cause dermatitis similar to the effects of poison ivy and is an irritant to the eyes. The dust can cause respiratory problems and drowsiness. Splinters are septic similar to the wood of the "Chlorocardium rodiei" tree which is commonly known as greenheart.

References

Further reading

* cite book
last = Baker
first = Mark
year = 2004
title = "Wood for Woodturners"
publisher = Guild of Master Craftsmen Publications
location = Sussex
id = ISBN 1861083246