Sapele

Sapele is a large tree native to tropical Africa, specifically found in a range of countries from Sierra Leone to Angola, and eastwards through the Congo rainforest to Uganda. It is also known by its scientific name, Entandrophragma cylindricum. The tree is part of the mahogany family, Meliaceae, and is valued for its hardwood. Sapele wood is commonly used in furniture, flooring, and cabinetry, as well as in the construction of musical instruments and boats.

Description

Sapele trees can reach up to 45 meters in height and up to 1.5 meters in diameter. The trunk is typically straight and cylindrical, with a clear bole that can extend over 20 meters. The bark is gray to dark red-brown in color, detaching in regular, rectangular flakes. The leaves of the Sapele tree are deciduous in the drier areas, compound, with 5 to 9 leaflets, each leaflet being up to 12 cm long and 4 cm wide. The flowers are small, with five white to yellow petals, and are borne in loose sprays. The fruit is a capsule containing numerous seeds.

Uses

Sapele wood is highly prized for its durability, attractive grain, and reddish-brown color, which darkens over time. It is often used as a veneer for plywood but is also popular in solid form for various types of furniture, joinery, and flooring. Due to its acoustic properties, Sapele is also favored in the manufacture of musical instruments, including guitars and pianos. In boat building, its resistance to water and decay makes it a preferred choice for decking and hull construction.

Conservation

While Sapele is not currently listed as endangered, its population is under threat due to over-exploitation and habitat destruction. Illegal logging and the conversion of forest land to agriculture are significant concerns. Sustainable management practices are crucial to ensure the long-term survival of the Sapele tree and its ecosystem.

See Also

• Tropical rainforest
• Hardwood
• Conservation status
• Sustainable management