Missanda
Scientific name: Erythrophleum suaveolens
Overview
Missanda is a very dense and durable African hardwood native to West and Central Africa. It is closely related to other heavy-duty tropical hardwoods and is valued for its exceptional strength, durability, and resistance to wear.
It is commonly used in heavy construction, exterior applications, and situations requiring long-term durability under demanding conditions.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Missanda
- Scientific Name: Erythrophleum suaveolens
- Region: African Hardwoods (West & Central Africa)
- Tree Size: 100–130 ft tall, 3–5 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 65 lbs/ft³ (1,040 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 3,220 lbf
- Color: Reddish brown to dark brown
- Grain: Interlocked
- Texture: Coarse
Identification Characteristics
Missanda is identified by its dark reddish-brown color, coarse texture, and very high density. The wood is noticeably heavy and strong.
Key identification traits include:
- Dark reddish-brown heartwood
- Very heavy and dense structure
- Interlocked grain
- Coarse texture
Working Properties
Missanda is difficult to work due to its density and interlocked grain.
- Difficult to machine
- Blunting effect on cutting tools
- Tear-out common due to interlocked grain
- Gluing can be challenging
- Finishes well with proper preparation
Safety Note
Dust may cause irritation. Additionally, some species in this genus are known to contain toxic compounds, so proper protection is recommended.
Common Uses
Missanda is used where extreme strength and durability are required.
- Heavy construction
- Railroad ties
- Exterior structures
- Industrial flooring
- Marine applications
Sustainability & Notes
Missanda is not currently listed under CITES, but responsible sourcing is critical due to heavy harvesting in some regions.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Tali – Similar in density and heavy-duty applications.
Doussie – Comparable strength and color range.
Azobe – Comparable in strength and frequently used in structural applications.
Related Guides
Machining Dense Tropical Hardwoods
Important techniques for working with extremely dense species.
Preventing Tear-Out in Interlocked Grain
Useful when working with difficult grain patterns.
Understanding CITES & Protected Species
Provides context for responsible sourcing.
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
Missanda is a standout species for collectors due to its extreme density and industrial significance. Samples are notably heavy and often darker than many other African hardwoods, making them easy to distinguish in a collection.
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.
Love This Species?
Enjoy learning about this wood species?
Help support the continued growth of Exotic Woods of the World by participating in our Adopt a Species program. Your support helps fund species research, educational content, photography, videos, and future conservation awareness initiatives.
Support Forest Conservation
This species is part of the growing Exotic Woods of the World reference archive, dedicated to documenting and preserving knowledge of the world’s wood species.
Through the Adopt a Species program, visitors can help support ongoing species research, educational content, photography, video production, and future conservation awareness initiatives.
Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.
Interested in supporting this species? Visit our Adopt a Species and Conservation Partners pages to learn more.
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.
Share This Wood Species
Stay Connected
Follow the latest species additions, educational resources, videos, conservation initiatives, and major project milestones through our Site Updates archive.
The Site Updates archive provides a permanent record of new content, library growth, and future developments across Exotic Woods of the World.