Family: Sapotaceae, the sapodilla family.
Origin: Widely distributed in the high rain forests of Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Gabon and south to Cabinda.
Other common names: Cherry mahogany, African cherry, baku, douka, ukola and babu.
The tree: A tropical evergreen tree, it grows to heights of 180 to 200 ft. with trunk diameters ranging from 4 to 10 ft. Boles are straight, cylindrical and clear up to 100 ft. and free of buttresses. Its thick, shiny leaves are simple, entire and alternate and has small white flowers borne in axillary fascicles.
Appearance: The heartwood is pink, purplish-brown or dark blood-red and is clearly demarcated from the whitish or light pink sapwood. It has a straight grain with a fine to medium texture sometimes with an attractive moiré figure. Lustrous.
Density: Average reported specific gravity is 0.55(ovendry weight/green volume), equal to an air-dried weight of 42 pcf. Janka hardness is 1110 pounds of force.
Drying & shrinkage: It dries at a slow to moderate rate with little degrade. Movement in service is rated as small. Average reported shrinkage values (green to ovendry) range from 4.7% to 6.2 radial, 6.8% to 8.0% tangential and 10.6% to 11.0% volumetric.
Working properties: A high silica content causes rapid blunting of cutting edges, so carbide-tipped saws are recommended. It works reasonably well with hand and machine tools but has a tendency to split when nailing or screwing, so pre-drilling is advised. It has good veneering properties and it finishes and glues well. Possible adverse reactions from the dust and wood include dermatitis, giddiness, nose and throat irritation, nausea, nosebleeds, headaches and can affect the blood and central nervous system.
Durability: The heartwood is highly durable and resistant to insect and all forms of fungus rot attack while the sapwood is susceptible to powder-post beetles. It is resistant to preservative treatment and none is required.
Uses: Uses include furniture, cabinetwork, joinery, decorative veneers, paneling, boat building, flooring, turnery, marine plywood, musical instruments, tool handles and textile industry rollers.
Aailability: Makoré is plentiful at a moderate price.