Anegre
Scientific name: Pouteria pierrei
Overview
Anegre is a light-colored African hardwood best known for its fine texture, uniform appearance, and extensive use in veneer and interior applications. Native to West and Central Africa, it is commonly used where a clean, understated look is desired.
Often marketed in figured forms such as Anegre figured, Anegre pommele, or Anegre mottled, this species can range from very plain to highly decorative depending on how it is cut and selected.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Anegre
- Scientific Name: Pouteria pierrei
- Region: African Hardwoods (West & Central Africa)
- Tree Size: 100–130 ft tall, 3–5 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 34 lbs/ft³ (545 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 760 lbf
- Color: Pale yellow to light brown, sometimes with a pinkish hue
- Grain: Usually straight, occasionally interlocked
- Texture: Medium with a natural luster
Identification Characteristics
Anegre is identified by its light coloration, fine texture, and relatively low weight. Plain-sawn material appears uniform and subtle, while figured material may show dramatic mottling or blister patterns, especially in veneer form.
The wood darkens slightly with age but generally retains a light appearance.
Key identification traits include:
- Pale yellow to light brown heartwood
- Fine, even texture
- Straight to mildly interlocked grain
- Occasional figured patterns in selected stock
Working Properties
Anegre is considered easy to work, particularly in plain-sawn form.
- Machines and hand-tools cleanly
- Sands very smoothly due to fine texture
- Glues and finishes well
- Accepts stains and clear finishes
- Stable when properly dried
Care should be taken with figured material, as interlocked grain may increase tear-out.
Safety Note
Dust from Anegre may cause skin or respiratory irritation in some individuals. Proper dust collection, eye protection, and respiratory protection are recommended during machining and sanding.
Common Uses
Anegre is commonly used in applications that benefit from a clean, refined appearance, including:
- Veneer and plywood
- Furniture and cabinetry
- Interior paneling and millwork
- Doors and architectural components
- Decorative veneer applications
Figured Anegre is especially prized for high-end interiors and luxury cabinetry.
Sustainability & Notes
Anegre is not currently listed under CITES restrictions and is generally available through commercial suppliers. However, responsible sourcing is still encouraged to support long-term availability.
Buyers should seek suppliers that document legal harvesting and sustainable forestry practices.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Limba – Another light-colored African hardwood commonly used in furniture, veneers, and interior woodworking.
African Mahogany – A somewhat darker and slightly heavier hardwood often used for cabinetry, furniture, and architectural millwork.
Makore – A denser African hardwood with a richer reddish-brown color, frequently used for decorative veneers and fine furniture.
Related Guides
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Color tone and grain texture can help distinguish lighter African hardwoods like Anegre from similar species.
Hardwood vs Softwood
Understand the fundamental differences between hardwood and softwood species, including structure, growth, and common uses.
How to Store Exotic Wood Samples
Collectors preserve hardwood samples to study grain structure, color variation, and long-term aging characteristics.
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
Anegre is valued by collectors for its versatility and visual range. Plain stock is often selected for large, uniform surfaces, while figured Anegre is collected specifically for veneer and statement applications.
Collectors typically favor material with consistent color and minimal defects, especially for veneer slicing. Because figure can vary dramatically between logs, documented origin and cut style often add value to collectible material.
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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.
Support Forest Conservation
This species is part of the growing Exotic Woods of the World reference archive.
In the future, visitors will be able to support the preservation of hardwood knowledge and global forest conservation through the Adopt a Species program.
A portion of contributions will help fund the continued expansion of this archive, while the majority will be donated to forest conservation organizations working to protect the ecosystems where these species grow.
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.
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