Avodire
Scientific name: Turraeanthus africanus
Overview
Avodire is a West African hardwood known for its pale yellow color and fine, lustrous appearance. It is often compared to satinwood due to its subtle figure and smooth texture.
The wood is commonly used in fine furniture, veneer, and decorative applications where a light-colored hardwood is desired.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Avodire
- Scientific Name: Turraeanthus africanus
- Region: African Hardwoods (West Africa)
- Tree Size: 100–120 ft tall, 2–3 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 40 lbs/ft³ (640 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 740 lbf
- Color: Pale yellow to golden yellow
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Fine and uniform
Identification Characteristics
Avodire is identified by its light yellow color and fine, even texture. It often exhibits a natural luster and may show subtle figure, especially in quartersawn material.
Key identification traits include:
- Pale yellow to golden heartwood
- Fine, uniform texture
- Subtle natural luster
- Occasional mild figure
Working Properties
Avodire is generally easy to work and is well-suited for fine woodworking.
- Machines and hand-tools easily
- Sands to a smooth surface
- Glues and finishes well
- Takes polish exceptionally well
- Good dimensional stability
Safety Note
Dust may cause mild irritation. Standard dust protection is recommended.
Common Uses
Avodire is commonly used in applications where a light, refined appearance is desired.
- Fine furniture
- Cabinetry
- Decorative veneer
- Paneling
- Turned objects
Sustainability & Notes
Avodire is not listed under CITES, but supply can be limited. Responsible sourcing is recommended.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Anegre – Similar light color and fine texture, often used in veneer and furniture.
Limba – Comparable in weight and workability but typically less lustrous.
Makore – Denser and darker, with a richer reddish tone and finer texture.
Related Guides
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Helps distinguish subtle grain differences in light-colored woods.
Finishing Oils vs Polyurethane on Exotic Species
Guides finishing techniques to enhance natural luster.
Hardwood vs Softwood
Provides structural classification and comparison.
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
Avodire is valued by collectors for its clean, pale appearance and fine texture. Pieces with consistent coloration and subtle figure are especially desirable.
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:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
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