African Cherry (Pygeum)
Scientific name: Prunus africana
Overview
African Cherry, commonly known as Pygeum, is a hardwood species native to the mountainous regions of Central and East Africa. While it is best known for its medicinal bark, the wood itself is moderately dense and workable, making it suitable for interior applications and general woodworking. It offers a balanced combination of workability and durability, though it is not typically used for heavy structural purposes.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: African Cherry (Pygeum)
- Scientific Name: Prunus africana
- Region: African Hardwoods (Central & East Africa)
- Tree Size: 80–100 ft tall, 3–5 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 38 lbs/ft³ (610 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,040 lbf
- Color: Pale pinkish brown to reddish brown
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
African Cherry has a relatively understated appearance compared to many exotic hardwoods. The color ranges from pale pinkish brown to a warmer reddish tone that deepens with age. The grain is typically straight, though occasional interlocking may be present.
Key identification traits include:
- Light reddish brown coloration
- Generally straight grain
- Even texture
- Subtle natural luster
Working Properties
African Cherry is considered easy to work and is well-suited for a variety of general woodworking applications. It machines cleanly and responds well to hand tools.
- Easy to cut and shape
- Glues well
- Takes finishes evenly
- Minimal tearout in most cases
Safety Note
Dust may cause mild irritation in some individuals. Standard dust protection is recommended during machining and sanding.
Common Uses
African Cherry is used where moderate strength and good workability are desired, especially in interior applications.
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Interior joinery
- Light construction
Sustainability & Notes
Prunus africana is under conservation pressure due to overharvesting of its bark for medicinal use. Sustainable sourcing is important, and availability of lumber may be limited compared to more commonly traded hardwoods.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
African Mahogany – A more commonly used furniture wood with similar workability but slightly richer color and wider commercial use.
Limba – A lighter hardwood with comparable weight and ease of machining, often used in furniture and veneers.
Avodire – A fine-textured wood with a smoother finish potential, often used for decorative applications.
Related Guides
Best Woods for Furniture Making – Shows where African Cherry fits among commonly used furniture woods.
Color Changes in Tropical Hardwoods Over Time – Explains how its color may shift as it ages.
Drying & Acclimating Exotic Woods – Covers proper handling to prevent movement and defects.
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
African Cherry is less common in wood collections due to its primary use as a medicinal bark source rather than a commercial lumber species. As a result, it can be an interesting addition for collectors looking to represent lesser-known African hardwoods with unique background significance.
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.
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Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.
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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:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Related Tools & Products:
• Gorilla All Purpose Wood Filler, Natural Finish (16 oz) for filling cracks, holes, gouges, and imperfections before sanding, staining, or painting woodworking projects
https://amzn.to/3R3eCCg
• DEWALT DPG82 Concealer Anti-Fog Safety Goggles for protecting your eyes from sawdust, wood chips, and flying debris during cutting, sanding, and routing
https://amzn.to/4uTlqQZ
• WORKPRO Folding Roller Stand with Adjustable Height for supporting long boards, plywood, and lumber during table saw, miter saw, and woodworking operations
https://amzn.to/4eKR2lO
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