Wenge: the dark wood from Africa.

Wenge is a special wood. Some might even say it is rich in mystic powers. For hundreds of years it has been used in its native Africa to make ceremonial masks and statues paying homage to gods.

Wenge and the closely related species panga-panga are indigenous to Africa. In fact, they so

Wenge grows in swampy areas in Zaire, Cameroon, and Gaboon. Panga-panga, on the other hand, grows in the open forests of Mozambique and Tanzania. Both trees are modest in height - averaging about 60 feet with 2-foot diameters, although the trees can grow as tall as 90 feet with 3- to 4-foot diameters.

Uses for wenge include interior and exterior joinery plus general construction work. Wenge is a good wood for turnery. It is also prized for wood sculpting because it cuts easily and has a beautiful grain and interesting color that adds to the artistic image. The best logs are veneer sliced for high-end cabinetry and architectural uses such as panelling.

Wenge is a very distinctive looking wood, with a dark brown heartwood. It has very close, fine black veins and white lines, which are really closely spaced strips of parenchyma. Parenchyma is tissue composed of cells that are typically brick-shaped or isodiametric. This tissue stores and distributes food to the tree. The combination of the white bands against the dark wood with the black streaks gives it an attractive look. Wenge is straight grained and features a coarse texture.

Similarity to maple

Wenge is similar to maple in natural abrasion resistance. Like maple, wenge is used extensively for flooring, especially in Africa. With its dark coloration and interesting figures, it makes for a dramatic-looking floor. Wenge is an ideal choice for high-traffic flooring areas, particularly in public buildings, such as hotels, boardrooms and banks. Flooring is sold both in planks and squares, with marquetry also becoming a popular choice.

Because of its strength, wenge is also used as a substitute for hickory.

Species characteristics

Wenge and panga-panga are coarse textured and fibrous woods. When the veneer is sliced, it takes expertise to keep the pores closed with no open, rough edges. If they open or become rough, glue will come through. It takes time to bring wenge up to its best color; when sliced it is creamy beige, although in time the wood turns a dark brown. Experts say it takes a lot of work to obtain an acceptable finish and the edges can be particularly hard to sand.