Gombe
Scientific name: Piptadeniastrum africanum
Overview
Gombe is a dense and durable hardwood native to West and Central Africa. It is valued for its strength, resistance to wear, and suitability for structural and heavy-duty applications.
The species is commonly used in construction and industrial environments where long-term durability and load-bearing capacity are required. In international trade, it is also frequently referred to as Dabema.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Gombe (Dabema)
- Scientific Name: Piptadeniastrum africanum
- Region: African Hardwoods (West & Central Africa)
- Tree Size: 100–160 ft tall, 3–6 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 52 lbs/ft³ (830 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,900 lbf
- Color: Pale brown to reddish brown
- Grain: Interlocked
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Gombe is identified by its brown coloration and relatively coarse texture. The grain is typically interlocked, contributing to its strength and durability.
Key identification traits include:
- Pale to reddish-brown heartwood
- Interlocked grain
- Medium to coarse texture
- High density and weight
Working Properties
Gombe is moderately difficult to work due to its density and grain structure.
- Machines with some difficulty
- Interlocked grain may cause tear-out
- Pre-drilling recommended
- Glues and finishes adequately
- Very durable
Safety Note
Dust may cause irritation. Standard protective measures are recommended.
Common Uses
Gombe is used in applications requiring strength and long-term durability.
- Heavy construction
- Structural beams
- Outdoor applications
- Industrial flooring
- General heavy-duty use
Sustainability & Notes
Gombe is not listed under CITES, though regional forestry regulations may apply. Responsible sourcing is recommended.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Kusia – Similar in density and structural use, though slightly lighter.
Okan – Denser and used in more extreme heavy-duty applications.
Azobe – Significantly heavier and harder, often used in marine and bridge construction.
Related Guides
Machining Dense Tropical Hardwoods
Important for working dense structural hardwoods.
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide)
Provides context for strength and durability.
Understanding Interlocked vs Straight Grain
Helps manage machining challenges.
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
Gombe is valued in collections as a representative of medium-to-heavy density African hardwoods used in structural applications. It provides a useful comparison point between general construction woods and ultra-dense species like Azobe.
Share Your Photos of This Species
Do you have lumber, wood samples, tree photographs, woodworking projects, furniture, carvings, turnings, musical instruments, or other items made from this species?
Exotic Woods of the World welcomes photographs from woodworkers, collectors, sawyers, researchers, and wood enthusiasts around the world. Selected submissions may be featured on this page and throughout our website to help document and showcase real-world examples of this species.
When submitting photos, please include the common name, scientific name (if known), a brief description, and any information you would like us to share with the image.
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.
Love This Species?
Enjoy learning about this wood species?
Help support the continued growth of Exotic Woods of the World by participating in our Adopt a Species program. Your support helps fund species research, educational content, photography, videos, and future conservation awareness initiatives.
Support Forest Conservation
This species is part of the growing Exotic Woods of the World reference archive, dedicated to documenting and preserving knowledge of the world’s wood species.
Through the Adopt a Species program, visitors can help support ongoing species research, educational content, photography, video production, and future conservation awareness initiatives.
Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.
Interested in supporting this species? Visit our Adopt a Species and Conservation Partners pages to learn more.
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:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Related Tools & Products:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Share This Wood Species
Stay Connected
Follow the latest species additions, educational resources, videos, conservation initiatives, and major project milestones through our Site Updates archive.
The Site Updates archive provides a permanent record of new content, library growth, and future developments across Exotic Woods of the World.