African corkwood
Captured from the historical species datasheet.
At a glance
Scientific nameMusanga cecropioides
Trade / common nameAfrican corkwood
FamilyMoraceae
RegionMiddle Africa · Western Africa · Africa · Southern Africa · Eastern Africa
Distribution
The genus Musanga consists of only one species with a growth range confined to West and Central Africa. The species occurs from Guinea to Zaire and Angola. It is found in forest clearings, secondary forests, and old and abandoned farms. It occurs in abundance in localized areas and is often found in almost pure stands. The species is also suitable for plantations.
Uses
Balusters, Barge fenders, Baskets, Boxes and crates, Building construction, Building materials, Canoes, Carvings, Casks, Chairs, Charcoal, Chemical derivatives, Concrete formwork, Construction, Core Stock, Docks, Dockwork, Food containers, Harbor work, Hardboards, Insulating boards, Interior construction, Joinery, Light construction, Marine construction, Model airplanes, Moldings, Musical instruments, Musical instruments: percussion, Naval architecture, Oars, Packing cases, Particleboard, Plywood corestock, Plywood, Poles, Posts, Pulp/Paper products, Pulpwood, Raft floats, Rafts, Shingles, Specialty items, Sporting Goods, Stairworks, Stringers, Tool handles, Toys, Veneer, Wharf construction, Woodwork
Countries & Distribution
These country connections come directly from the same SQL country–species bridge used by Country Detail and the Global Navigator.
🇦🇴Angola
historical
🇧🇯Benin
historical
🇨🇲Cameroon
historical
🇨🇫Central African Republic
historical
🇨🇬Congo
historical
🇨🇮Côte d'Ivoire
historical
🇨🇩Democratic Republic of the Congo
historical
🇬🇶Equatorial Guinea
historical
🇬🇦Gabon
captured
🇬🇭Ghana
historical
🇱🇷Liberia
historical
🇳🇦Namibia
historical
🇳🇬Nigeria
historical
🇸🇱Sierra Leone
historical
🇹🇬Togo
historical
🇺🇬Uganda
historical
Wood images
Linked historical images associated with this species record.
Projects & Inspiration
Explore possible applications, then tell Woodley what you are interested in making.
Project images are illustrative inspiration, not species-identification photographs. Suitability should be checked against the species data and project requirements.
Fine woodworkingDecorative detailsSmall crafted objects
What would you like to make?
Tell Woodley what you have in mind. Woodley can help explore whether African corkwood is suitable and guide the next steps.
Project guidance can build on this species record, its properties and documented uses.
Appearance
Heartwood color
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
White to cream
Yellow to golden-yellow to orange
Pale red to pink
Pale brown
Greenish to greyish
Wood color is reported to range from whitish or yellowish to pale brown and turns to a pale yellowish white color with age.
Sapwood Color
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
Same as heartwood
White to yellow
The sapwood is not indistinguishable from the heartwood.
Luster
Low
Pronounced
Uses & Applications
Common Uses
Balusters, Barge fenders, Baskets, Boxes and crates, Building construction, Building materials, Canoes, Carvings, Casks, Chairs, Charcoal, Chemical derivatives, Concrete formwork, Construction, Core Stock, Docks, Dockwork, Food containers, Harbor work, Hardboards, Insulating boards, Interior construction, Joinery, Light construction, Marine construction, Model airplanes, Moldings, Musical instruments, Musical instruments: percussion, Naval architecture, Oars, Packing cases, Particleboard, Plywood corestock, Plywood, Poles, Posts, Pulp/Paper products, Pulpwood, Raft floats, Rafts, Shingles, Specialty items, Sporting Goods, Stairworks, Stringers, Tool handles, Toys, Veneer, Wharf construction, Woodwork
Full Technical Species Profile
The public profile includes identification, distribution, linked imagery and selected public-facing species information. Sign in to use your membership access. The complete technical record is available with an eligible paid membership.
Protected technical content includes physical and mechanical properties, working and drying characteristics, durability data, detailed technical observations, references and methodology.