Mukulungu

Family: SAPOTACEAE
Scientific name: Autranella congolensis
Pilot name: Mukulungu

END USES

Stairs (inside) / Sliced veneer / Bridges / Flooring / Heavy carpentry / Interior panelling / Hydraulic works / Exterior panelling / Resistant to acids

WOOD DESCRIPTION

Color: Red brown
Sapwood: Clearly demarcated
Texture: Fine
Grain: Straight or interlocked

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Mean Std dev
Specific gravity 0,94 0,03
Coeff. of volumetric shrinkage 0,66% 0,04%
Total tangential shrinkage (TS) 8,4% 0,3%
(normal moisture, at 12%)

NATURAL DURABILITY

Fungi: Very durable
Dry wood borers: Durable
Termites: Durable
Use class: Class 4 – In ground or fresh water contact

DRYING

Drying rate: Slow
Risk of distortion: High risk
Risk of casehardening: No
Risk of cracking: High risk
Risk of collapse: No

SAWING AND MACHINING

Sawing: Difficult
Peeling: Not recommended
Slicing: Good

ASSEMBLING

Nailing/Screwing: Good (pre-boring)
Gluing: Correct (for interior only)