Melegba
Scientific name: Berlinia grandiflora
Overview
Melegba is a heavy tropical hardwood native to the rainforests of West and Central Africa. The species is valued locally for its strength, durability, and attractive golden to medium brown heartwood. Although it is not widely exported, Melegba has earned a reputation as a dependable timber for furniture, flooring, heavy joinery, and general construction. Its combination of good mechanical properties and attractive appearance also makes it an appealing addition to exotic wood collections.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Melegba
- Scientific Name: Berlinia grandiflora
- Region: African Hardwoods (West & Central Africa)
- Tree Size: 100–140 ft tall, 3–5 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: Approximately 49 lbs/ft³ (785 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: Approximately 1,850 lbf
- Color: Golden brown to medium brown
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Melegba develops a warm golden-brown heartwood that gradually darkens with age and exposure. The grain is generally straight but may occasionally become interlocked, producing subtle figure on quarter-sawn lumber. Its medium to coarse texture and moderate natural luster give the wood an attractive appearance suitable for both decorative and structural applications.
Key identification traits include:
- Golden brown to medium-brown heartwood
- Medium to coarse texture
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Moderate natural luster
- Heavy and durable wood
Working Properties
Melegba machines reasonably well despite its density. Interlocked grain may occasionally cause tear-out during planing, but sharp cutting tools produce clean surfaces. The wood glues, sands, and finishes well, resulting in durable and attractive completed projects.
- Machines well with sharp tools
- Turns well
- Sands to a smooth finish
- Accepts oils and clear finishes well
- Occasional tear-out may occur in interlocked grain
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. Appropriate dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended during machining.
Common Uses
Because of its strength, durability, and attractive appearance, Melegba is used in a variety of structural and decorative woodworking applications, including:
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Flooring
- Interior joinery
- Heavy construction
- Architectural millwork
- Decorative veneer
- Woodturning
Sustainability & Notes
Melegba is distributed throughout portions of West and Central Africa, where it is harvested primarily for regional use. Commercial exports remain relatively limited, helping keep the species less familiar than many other African hardwoods. Sustainable forest management remains important to protect native forests and maintain healthy populations for future generations.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Ekpogoi – A closely related Berlinia species with similar density, grain, and woodworking characteristics.
Abem – Another member of the Berlinia genus valued for its strength and dependable performance in construction and furniture.
Tali – A heavier African hardwood known for its exceptional durability and outstanding wear resistance.
Related Guides
Understanding Interlocked vs Straight Grain – Learn how grain orientation affects machining, appearance, and finishing quality.
Best Woods for Outdoor Use – Explore which hardwood species offer the best natural durability for exterior projects and demanding environments.
Wood Families & Trade Groups – Discover how hardwood species are grouped by botanical families and why those relationships matter to woodworkers and collectors.
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
Melegba is an excellent collector species because it represents one of the lesser-known members of the Berlinia genus. Its attractive brown coloration, solid mechanical properties, and limited international availability make it a unique addition to African hardwood collections. Well-documented samples help illustrate the remarkable diversity of tropical timbers that remain largely unknown outside their native forests.
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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.
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