African Mahogany
Khaya anthotheca • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with visible elongate pores. Shows a characteristic ribbon-stripe figure common in quarter-sawn sections of this species. Texture is medium to coarse.
Color Description
Heartwood maintains a deep reddish-brown to pinkish shade; it darkens with age and exposure to light. High natural luster and noticeable light-reflecting chatoyance in the ribbon-like bands. Sapwood is typically yellowish-white.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable to Durable; heartwood is resistant to rot and termites, though it is vulnerable to powder post beetles.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, boat building, interior trim, veneer, and musical instruments (particularly guitar bodies and necks).
Geographic Origin
West and Central Africa (Tropical regions)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $9.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears modern (1-20 years old) with a clean factory-style cut and consistent oxidation suggesting it is part of a contemporary furniture piece or tool handle.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: vulnerable due to exploitation; widely available but subject to monitoring. FSC certification is common for managed plantations.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues and finishes very well. Dulls cutters slightly more than domestic mahogany.
Notable Features
Lacks the distinct scent of Cedrela (Spanish Cedar). Highly sought after as a more affordable and sustainable alternative to Genuine Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla). Known for excellent stability.
Finish Recommendations
Responds excellently to oils, lacquers, and polyurethanes. Using a grain filler is recommended if a glass-smooth mirror finish is desired due to the open-pore structure.
Identification Confidence
High. The reddish-brown color, ribbon-stripe grain, and specific pore structure are diagnostic of the Khaya genus, most likely Khaya anthotheca based on color depth.