Family: Tieghemella Heckelii, T. Africana
Origin: Native to Western and Central Africa, including Cameroon, Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.
Common Names: African Cherry, Baku, Abaku, Agamokwe.
The Tree: Makore is a large tree that can grow up to 200 feet tall with a trunk that can reach up to 9 feet in diameter. The tree grows straight with few branches and minimal buttressing. It yields large amounts of clear timber and veneer, consistent in figure and color.
Appearance of Wood: Makore heartwood is pinkish to reddish-brown in color with occasional purple streaks through the wood. Sapwood is clearly defined from the heart. It is creamy white in color and can be up to 3 inches wide. Makore has a fine texture with a very straight grain, Naturally, Makore is a lustrous wood which helps exaggerate various types of figure.
Density: Makore is considered a dense hardwood that is comparable to white oak. Average reported specific gravity ranges from .55 to .69 with an air-dried weight of 43 pounds per cubic foot. Janka Hardness is 1,200 pounds of force.
Drying and Shrinkage: Makore tends to dry at a slow rate with little degradation. Average reported shrinkage values are 5.5% Radial, 7.7% Tangential, 12.4% Volumetric.
Working Properties: Makore works well but it does contain silica which tends to dull tools quickly. Figured pieces of Makore tend to tear out when machining. Pre-drilling for nails and screws is recommended to prevent splitting. It glues and finishes well. The wood tends to demonstrate a color change reaction when in direct contact with iron. This will permanently stain and discolor the wood.
Durability: Makore is renowned for its strength and durability. It is considered very resistant to insects and fungi due to the high amounts of tannin. Tannins are chemicals produced by the tree to help protect it from insects and other predators.
Uses: Makore is an important commercial wood. It can be used for architectural installations such as flooring and cabinets, stairs, trim, and paneling. Makore can also be used for high-end items such as furniture, shipbuilding, turned objects, and musical instruments.
Availability: Solid lumber should be available from specialty lumber dealers. Veneer is common in all types of figures.