Dibetou
Scientific name: Lovoa trichilioides
Overview
Dibetou is a medium-weight African hardwood native to West and Central Africa, often compared to mahogany due to its similar appearance and workability. It is valued for its balance of strength, stability, and ease of machining, making it a practical choice for furniture, cabinetry, and interior applications.
Its generally straight grain and uniform texture make it especially suitable for projects requiring consistency and clean finishes.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Dibetou, African Walnut
- Scientific Name: Lovoa trichilioides
- Region: African Hardwoods (West & Central Africa)
- Tree Size: 100–130 ft tall, 3–5 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 38 lbs/ft³ (610 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 800 lbf
- Color: Pale brown to yellowish brown, sometimes with golden tones
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Dibetou is typically identified by its light brown to golden coloration and relatively uniform texture. The grain is usually straight, though slight interlocking may occur in some boards.
It is often confused with lighter mahogany species but tends to have a more muted tone and less pronounced figure.
Key identification traits include:
- Pale to golden-brown heartwood
- Generally straight grain
- Uniform, medium texture
- Moderate density and weight
Working Properties
Dibetou is considered easy to work, making it a good option for both professional and hobbyist applications.
- Machines cleanly with minimal resistance
- Planes and sands smoothly
- Glues and finishes well
- Accepts stains evenly
- Good dimensional stability when properly dried
Safety Note
Dust may cause mild irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Standard protective measures are recommended during machining and sanding.
Common Uses
Dibetou is commonly used in applications where ease of workability and consistent appearance are important.
- Furniture and cabinetry
- Interior joinery and millwork
- Veneer and paneling
- Doors and light construction
- Decorative woodwork
Sustainability & Notes
Dibetou is not currently listed under CITES, though regional forestry regulations may apply. As with many tropical hardwoods, responsible sourcing is recommended.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
African Mahogany – Similar in workability and use, though typically richer in color and slightly more variable in grain.
Sapele – Denser and darker, often displaying more pronounced ribbon figure compared to Dibetou.
Anegre – Comparable in color and weight, though often slightly lighter and more uniform in appearance.
Related Guides
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Explains structural differences and classification of hardwoods like Dibetou.
Finishing Oils vs Polyurethane on Exotic Species
Provides guidance on finishing techniques for achieving consistent color and surface quality.
Identifying Unknown Wood Samples
Covers fundamental methods for identifying wood species based on grain, color, and texture.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Dibetou is valued by collectors as a representative of lighter, mahogany-like African hardwoods. Its uniform texture and subtle coloration make it a useful comparison sample when evaluating species within the Meliaceae family and similar groups.
Clean, straight-grained pieces with consistent color are typically preferred, especially for reference collections focused on grain structure and workability comparisons.
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
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