The wood is dark pink brown to dark red brown with sometimes purplish glints and/or pale veins slightly distinct, Often moiré. It has clearly demarcated sapwood. The grain is straight or interlocked and the texture is medium. Density at 12 % moisture content: 0.69 g/cm3.

The blunting effect is high and peeling and slicing is reported to be good. Very irritant sawdust. Sometimes clogging of sawblades. Nailing is good but pre-boring is necessary. Gluing is correct. Tends to split in nailing. Gluing requires care (dense wood). It dries normal. Initial surface drying prior to kiln drying is recommended in order to reduce defects. Some logs are not floatable.

Makoré is very durable to fungi and is durable to dry wood borers; sapwood demarcated (risk limited to sapwood). Due to its high silica content, this species naturally covers the biological hazard class 5 (end-uses in marine environment or in brackish water).

Makoré can be used for several applications such as:

• Interior: e.g. panelling, high class furniture, veneer, flooring, stairs, joinery, sliced veneer, light carpentry, sculpture
• Exterior: e.g. panelling, ship building, bridges, joinery, vehicle or container flooring

References: CIRAD Forestry Department