Origin: Africa

Family

Leguminosae

Scientific name
Guibourtia arnoldiana J. Léonard.

Trade and local names
Mutene (Port.); Mutenye (Fr. e Ing.); Benge; Libenge.

Physical properties

Density at 12% (kg/m³)	800	Heavy
Tangential Radial Shrinkage (%)	8.76 4.6	Medium Medium

Mechanical properties

Static bending Breaking strength (N/mm²)	206	High
Axial compression Breaking strength (N/mm²)	67.4	High
Hardness (kN)	3.3	Low

Durability
Moderately durable. Resistant to fungi and wood borer insects.

Technological properties
• Workability: although hard and dense timber, it works with moderate ease.
• Seasoning: dried with care in order to prevent sweating, particularly in high temperatures.
• Finish: allows good finishes.
• Gluing: satisfactory gluing qualities.

Main uses
• Flooring

Floor traffic
Light(residential)	Normal (public buildings)	Heavy (sports facilities)
x	x	x

• Woodwork: interior and outdoor, particularly handrail and panelling furnishing.and other linings.
• Furniture: all kinds.
• Other: beautiful, easy to work and excellent finish; Mutenye timber is used to produce small decorations, chess boards, toys and household appliances. Its design and brown colour, with a slight darker tint, make it much appreciated for sculpture work.