Black Limba (also known as Korina or Afara)
Terminalia superba • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight or slightly interlocked; the sample shows a flat-sawn orientation with distinctive dark, wavy streaks creating a marbled or smoky figure.
Color Description
Heartwood is light yellowish to golden brown with irregular grey-to-black streaks and veins. Sapwood is pale yellowish-white and usually not clearly demarcated from light heartwood. Luster is high with subtle chatoyance.
Hardness Rating
670 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to termite attack and powder post beetles. Streaking is actually caused by initial stages of fungal activity.
Common Uses
Musical instruments (notably electric guitar bodies), high-end furniture, veneer, cabinetry, and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Tropical Western Africa (predominantly Guinea to Angola)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 to $20.00 per board foot depending on the intensity of the black streaking.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly processed or relatively new (1-5 years post-milling) based on the bright yellow undertones and lack of deep ambering or oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List; however, it is widely available and not currently CITES restricted. FSC certified stock is often available.
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It glues and finishes well, though it can occasionally experience tearout during planing if grain is interlocked.
Notable Features
Faint, pleasant scent when being worked. Known for excellent acoustic resonance in guitars. The dark streaks are a prized aesthetic defect.
Finish Recommendations
Clear lacquer or polyurethane to preserve the natural contrast. A sanding sealer is recommended as the wood is somewhat porous.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic 'limba' yellow base color combined with the specific irregular black streaking/ink lines is diagnostic for this species.