Scientific Name
Combretum schumannii
Trade Name
Mgongolo
Family Name
Combretaceae
Synonyms
Combretum macrostigmateum
Common Names
Mgongolo, Mgurulu, Mgurure, Mlanyika, Mpera-mwitu, Mungulule, Muranyani
Regions of Distribution
Africa
Countries of Distribution [VIEW MAP]
Kenya
Common Uses
Agricultural implements, Bearings & bushings, Boat building (general), Carvings, Flooring: industrial heavy traffic, Handles: general, Heavy construction, Ladders, Mathematical instruments, Mine timbers, Musical instruments, Piling, Sporting Goods, Toys, Turnery
Heartwood Color
| White | ||||||||||||
| Green/grey | ||||||||||||
| Red | ||||||||||||
| Purple | ||||||||||||
| Dark brown |
Sapwood Color
| White | ||||||||||||
| White to yellow | ||||||||||||
| Well defined |
Grain
| Straight | ||||||||||||
| Even |
| Straight |
Texture
| Fine | ||||||||||||
| Medium | ||||||||||||
| Fine to medium |
Luster
| Medium |
Natural Durability
| Durable | ||||||||||||
| Resistant to termites | ||||||||||||
| Non-resistant to powder post beetles | ||||||||||||
| Non-resistant to marine borers | ||||||||||||
| Susceptible to insect attack | ||||||||||||
| Moderately durable | ||||||||||||
| Susceptible to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles | ||||||||||||
| Moderately resistant to termite (Isoptera) attack | ||||||||||||
| Moderately resistant to marine borer attack | ||||||||||||
| Durable |
Light-Induced Color Change
| Darker |
Ease of Drying
| Fairly Easy | ||||||||||||
| Moderately Difficult to Difficult |
Tree Identification
| Bole/stem form is misshapen | ||||||||||||
| Bole/stem form is fluted |
Tree Size
| Tree height is 20-30 m |
Gluing
| Fairly Easy to Very Easy |
Nailing
| Very Good to Excellent Results | ||||||||||||
| Fair to Good Results | ||||||||||||
| Possible if prebored |
Resistance to Impregnation
| Heartwood is extremely resistant |
Response to Hand Tools
| Easy to Work | ||||||||||||
| Fairly Difficult to Difficult to Work | ||||||||||||
| Easy to machine |
Screwing
| Fairly Easy to Very Easy |
Turning
| Fairly Easy to Very Easy | ||||||||||||
| Very Good to Excellent Results | ||||||||||||
| Fair to Good Results | ||||||||||||
| Good results | ||||||||||||
| Easy to turn |
Veneering Qualities
| Suitable for slicing | ||||||||||||
| Veneers easily | ||||||||||||
| Veneers moderately easy | ||||||||||||
| Suitable for peeling |
Polishing
| Very Good to Excellent Results | ||||||||||||
| Fair to Good Results | ||||||||||||
| Good results |
Strength Properties
| Density (dry weight) = 61-67 lbs/cu. ft | ||||||||||||
| Shrinkage, Tangential = very small | ||||||||||||
| Shrinkage, Radial = very small | ||||||||||||
| Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = high | ||||||||||||
| Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = high | ||||||||||||
| Max. crushing strength = high | ||||||||||||
| Density (dry weight) = 67-75 lbs/cu.ft | ||||||||||||
| Bending strength (MOR) = high | ||||||||||||
| Shrinkage, Tangential = small | ||||||||||||
| Shrinkage, Tangential = moderate | ||||||||||||
| Shrinkage, Radial = small |
Numerical Data
| Item | Green | Dry | English |
| Bending Strength | 13576 | 20956 | psi |
| Density | 57 | lbs/ft3 | |
| Maximum Crushing Strength | 6899 | 9945 | psi |
| Shearing Strength | 2847 | psi | |
| Stiffness | 2167 | 2494 | 1000 psi |
| Weight | 56 | 51 | lbs/ft3 |
| Radial Shrinkage | 2 | % | |
| Tangential Shrinkage | 5 | % | |
| Item | Green | Dry | Metric |
| Bending Strength | 954 | 1473 | kg/cm2 |
| Density | 913 | kg/m3 | |
| Maximum Crushing Strength | 485 | 699 | kg/cm2 |
| Shearing Strength | 200 | kg/cm2 | |
| Stiffness | 152 | 175 | 1000 kg/cm2 |
| Weight | 897 | 817 | kg/m3 |
| Radial Shrinkage | 2 | % |
References
Bolza, E., Keating, W.G.,1972,African Timbers – the Properties, Uses and Characteristics of 700 Species,C.S.I.R.O. Div. of Building Research
Dale, I.R., Greenway, P.J.,1961,Kenya Trees and Shrubs,Buchanans Kenya Estates Ltd. Nairobi Hatchards London
France – C.T.F.T.,1966,Bois Tropicaux,C.T.F.T. Publ.,12
Tanzania Forest Division,1967,The Weights and Shrinkage of some Local Timbers,Tanzania Forest Div. Util. Sect. Technical Note,No.25
Wimbush, S.H.,1950,Catalogue of Kenya Timbers,Govt. Printer Nairobi Kenya