Azobe
Scientific name: Lophira alata
Overview
Azobe is an extremely dense and durable hardwood native to West and Central Africa. Known for its exceptional strength and resistance to decay, it is widely used in heavy construction, marine environments, and infrastructure projects.
Its high density and natural durability make it one of the most robust hardwoods available, often selected for applications where long-term performance under harsh conditions is required.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Azobe, Ekki
- Scientific Name: Lophira alata
- Region: African Hardwoods (West & Central Africa)
- Tree Size: 100–150 ft tall, 3–5 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 65 lbs/ft³ (1,040 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 3,700 lbf
- Color: Reddish brown to dark brown
- Grain: Interlocked
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Azobe is typically identified by its dark reddish-brown color, high density, and interlocked grain. The wood is extremely heavy and hard, often sinking in water.
It has a somewhat coarse texture and may display subtle ribbon figure when quartersawn.
Key identification traits include:
- Dark reddish-brown heartwood
- Extremely high density and weight
- Interlocked grain pattern
- Coarse to medium texture
Working Properties
Azobe is very difficult to work due to its extreme hardness and density.
- Machines slowly and requires carbide tools
- Pre-drilling is often necessary for fasteners
- Gluing can be difficult due to density
- Very resistant to wear and impact
- Excellent durability in demanding environments
Safety Note
Dust may cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Due to its density, machining can produce fine dust, so proper protection is recommended.
Common Uses
Azobe is primarily used in heavy-duty applications where strength and durability are critical.
- Marine construction and dock work
- Railroad ties and bridge timbers
- Heavy construction and structural supports
- Industrial flooring
- Outdoor and ground-contact applications
Sustainability & Notes
Azobe is not currently listed under CITES, though it is heavily harvested in some regions. Responsible sourcing and verification of sustainable practices are recommended.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Tali – A dense and durable African hardwood used in heavy construction, though slightly less dense than Azobe.
Ipe – A South American hardwood with comparable density and durability, commonly used in decking and outdoor structures.
Cumaru – Another dense South American species often used in similar exterior and structural applications.
Related Guides
Machining Dense Tropical Hardwoods
Provides techniques for working with extremely dense species like Azobe.
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide)
Helps compare Azobe’s extreme hardness to other hardwoods.
Plantation vs Wild-Harvested Hardwood
Covers sourcing considerations for heavily harvested tropical hardwoods.
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
Azobe is valued in collections as a representative of extremely dense, utility-focused hardwoods. Its weight and hardness make it an excellent comparison sample for studying durability and structural performance.
Samples with consistent color and minimal surface checking are preferred, as the wood’s density can make it prone to splitting if not properly dried.
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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:
• CMT Orange Tools 8-Inch Dado Saw Blade Set for creating clean grooves, dados, and joinery cuts in woodworking projects
https://amzn.to/4wLVIzR
• Howard Feed-N-Wax Wood Polish and Conditioner for restoring and protecting finished wood surfaces
https://amzn.to/3PDy0VS
• General Tools MMD4E Digital Moisture Meter for checking moisture content in wood and detecting potential water damage
https://amzn.to/4wMsEbz
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