Emien
Scientific name: Alstonia boonei
Overview
Emien is a lightweight African hardwood native to West and Central Africa. It is known for its pale coloration, soft texture, and ease of workability, making it suitable for interior applications and light construction.
It is often used where a low-density, easy-to-machine wood is required.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Emien
- Scientific Name: Alstonia boonei
- Region: African Hardwoods (West & Central Africa)
- Tree Size: 100–140 ft tall, 3–6 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 27 lbs/ft³ (430 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 320 lbf
- Color: Pale cream to light yellow
- Grain: Straight
- Texture: Fine to medium
Identification Characteristics
Emien is identified by its very light color and low density. It has a uniform appearance with a straight grain and smooth texture.
Key identification traits include:
- Pale cream to yellow heartwood
- Straight grain
- Lightweight
- Fine to medium texture
Working Properties
Emien is very easy to work due to its low density.
- Machines extremely easily
- Cuts and shapes cleanly
- Glues and finishes well
- Accepts paint and coatings well
- Low durability
Safety Note
Dust may cause mild irritation. Standard precautions recommended.
Common Uses
Emien is used in applications where lightweight and ease of machining are important.
- Interior furniture
- Carving and shaping
- Light joinery
- Plywood core stock
- Temporary construction
Sustainability & Notes
Not listed under CITES. Widely available in its native range.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Framire – Heavier and stronger, with broader structural use.
Limba – Slightly denser and more commonly used in furniture.
American Basswood – Similar in softness and carving properties.
Related Guides
Hardwood vs Softwood
Explains classification and structure.
Wood Identification
Helps distinguish light-colored hardwoods.
Drying & Acclimating Exotic Woods
Important due to lower density and moisture movement.
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
Emien is useful in collections as a reference for low-density African hardwoods, providing contrast against heavier structural species.
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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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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.
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