Aiele
Scientific name: Canarium schweinfurthii
Overview
Aiele is a medium-density African hardwood native to tropical regions of West and Central Africa. It is valued for its moderate strength, ease of workability, and versatility in general woodworking applications.
The wood is often used in furniture, interior joinery, and construction where a balance between weight and performance is desired.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Aiele
- Scientific Name: Canarium schweinfurthii
- Region: African Hardwoods (West & Central Africa)
- Tree Size: 100–150 ft tall, 3–6 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 34 lbs/ft³ (545 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 720 lbf
- Color: Light brown to pinkish brown
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Aiele is identified by its light brown coloration and relatively uniform appearance. The grain is typically straight, and the wood has a medium texture.
Key identification traits include:
- Light brown to pinkish-brown heartwood
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Uniform texture
- Moderate weight
Working Properties
Aiele is easy to work and performs well in a variety of applications.
- Machines easily
- Planes and sands smoothly
- Glues and finishes well
- Accepts coatings evenly
- Good dimensional stability
Safety Note
Dust may cause mild irritation. Standard protective measures are recommended.
Common Uses
Aiele is used in applications where ease of machining and moderate strength are important.
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Interior joinery
- Paneling
- General construction
Sustainability & Notes
Aiele is not listed under CITES. It is harvested across several African regions, and responsible sourcing is recommended.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Framire – Similar in weight and workability, often used in comparable applications.
Ilomba – Slightly lighter and softer, with similar appearance.
Okoume – Lighter and more commonly used in plywood and veneer.
Related Guides
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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
Aiele is a useful addition to collections as a representative of medium-density African hardwoods. Its consistent texture and balanced properties make it a good comparison species within general-purpose hardwood categories.
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:
• THORVALD 3-in-1 Carpenter Mechanical Pencil Set for making precise layout marks on wood, lumber, drywall, concrete, and other construction materials
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• Gorilla Ultimate Waterproof Wood Glue (18 oz) for creating strong, waterproof bonds in indoor and outdoor woodworking, furniture, and repair projects
https://amzn.to/3R0IRd4
• DEWALT 21-Piece Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set for drilling clean, accurate holes in wood, metal, and plastic with long-lasting pilot point bits
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