Ataa
Captured from the historical species datasheet.
At a glance
Scientific namePentaclethra macrophylla
Trade / common nameAtaa
FamilyLeguminosae
RegionMiddle Africa · Western Africa · Africa
Distribution
The species is widely distributed in tropical Africa. It is also often cultivated as a roadside tree.
Uses
Agricultural implements, Barge fenders, Boat building (general), Bridge construction, Building construction, Building materials, Cabin construction, Charcoal, Construction, Crossties, Decks, Docks, Dockwork, Domestic flooring, Excelsior, Factory construction, Flooring, Fuelwood, Handles, Harbor work, Heavy construction, Joinery, Light construction, Marine construction, Millwork, Mine timbers, Naval architecture, Parquet flooring, Piling, Poles, Raft floats, Rafts, Railroad ties, Shafts/Handles, Shipbuilding, Sporting Goods, Sub-flooring, Tool handles, Vats, Vehicle parts, Wharf construction
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
🇨🇬Congo
historical
🇨🇮Côte d'Ivoire
historical
🇨🇩Democratic Republic of the Congo
historical
🇬🇦Gabon
captured
🇬🇭Ghana
historical
🇬🇳Guinea
historical
🇬🇼Guinea-Bissau
historical
🇱🇷Liberia
historical
🇳🇬Nigeria
historical
🇸🇳Senegal
historical
🇸🇱Sierra Leone
historical
Wood images
Linked historical images associated with this species record.
Projects & Inspiration
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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
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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.
Brown
Yellow
Reddish brown
Greenish to greyish
Yellow to golden-yellow to orange
Sapwood Color
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
White to yellow
Well defined
Different than heartwood
Same as heartwood
Paler than heartwood
The sapwood is pale gray-brown or white, and is not always clearly demarcated from the heartwood
Luster
Lustrous
Uses & Applications
Common Uses
Agricultural implements, Barge fenders, Boat building (general), Bridge construction, Building construction, Building materials, Cabin construction, Charcoal, Construction, Crossties, Decks, Docks, Dockwork, Domestic flooring, Excelsior, Factory construction, Flooring, Fuelwood, Handles, Harbor work, Heavy construction, Joinery, Light construction, Marine construction, Millwork, Mine timbers, Naval architecture, Parquet flooring, Piling, Poles, Raft floats, Rafts, Railroad ties, Shafts/Handles, Shipbuilding, Sporting Goods, Sub-flooring, Tool handles, Vats, Vehicle parts, Wharf construction
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.