Mukula
Scientific name: Pterocarpus tinctorius
Overview
Mukula is a red-timbered tree of seasonally dry central, eastern, and southern Africa. Its attractive wood is used for furniture, cabinetry, parquet, joinery, veneer, turning, and carving. Heavy exploitation and international demand led to CITES Appendix II controls covering logs, sawn wood, veneer sheets, and plywood.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Mukula
- Alternate Common Name(s): African Padauk, Bloodwood
- Scientific Name: Pterocarpus tinctorius
- Region: African Woods
- Tree Size: Typically 20–60 ft (6–18 m) tall
- Average Dried Weight: Approximately 28–56 lb/ft³ (450–900 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: Reliable published data is unavailable
- Grain: Often interlocked
- Texture: Moderately fine and even
Identification Characteristics
Fresh heartwood may appear pale yellow, then turns pinkish red on exposure. It is sharply separated from whitish sapwood that may be 3–4 in (7.5–10 cm) wide. Tangential surfaces can show small irregular dark-red or brown marks, and the wood contains red gummy substances.
The tree bears fragrant cream, golden-yellow, or orange flowers and large nearly circular winged fruits, sometimes with sticky yellowish bristles.
Key identification traits include:
- Pinkish-red exposed heartwood
- Wide whitish sapwood
- Interlocked grain with dark markings
- Red gum or extractives
- Fragrant yellow-orange flowers
- Broad, round winged pods
Working Properties
Density varies widely between forest and savanna material. The wood generally saws and machines satisfactorily, but interlocked grain can tear during planing. Use sharp cutters, light passes, pre-drilling near edges, and test adhesives where gummy extractives are present. Dry thick stock gradually and test finishes on an offcut.
Safety Note
Use effective dust extraction, eye protection, and a fitted respirator. Dust and red extractives may irritate skin and airways.
Common Uses
- Furniture and cabinetmaking
- Decorative parquet and interior joinery
- Boxes, crates, and light construction
- Tool handles, carving, and turnery
- Veneer, plywood, panels, fuel, and charcoal
Sustainability & Notes
Although globally assessed as Least Concern, intense localized harvest and illegal trade can damage populations. CITES Appendix II regulates international trade in Mukula logs, sawn wood, veneer sheets, and plywood. Buyers should require permits where applicable, exact species identification, legal harvest documents, and a traceable chain of custody.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
African Padauk – Usually brighter orange-red when fresh.
Round-Leaved Bloodwood – A smaller-bole woodland relative.
African Barwood – A widespread dry-country species.
Related Guides
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
Label specimens with scientific name, origin, date, supplier, and permit information. Preserve both heartwood and sapwood where possible.
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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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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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