Obeche
Scientific name: Triplochiton scleroxylon
Overview
Obeche, also known as Ayous, is a lightweight African hardwood widely used for interior applications, carving, and utility woodworking. Native to West and Central Africa, it is valued for its ease of workability and consistent, pale appearance.
The wood is often used as a substitute for softwoods in certain applications due to its low density and ease of machining. While not highly decorative, Obeche is an important commercial species with broad practical use.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Obeche
- Scientific Name: Triplochiton scleroxylon
- Region: African Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 100–150 ft tall, 3–5 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 24–28 lbs/ft³
- Janka Hardness: 390 lbf
- Color: Pale cream to light yellow
- Grain: Straight
- Texture: Medium to coarse
- Natural Luster: Low
Identification Characteristics
Obeche is recognized by its very light color and uniform appearance. It typically ranges from pale cream to light yellow, with minimal variation or figure.
The grain is straight, and the texture is medium to coarse, giving it a slightly fibrous look. Its lightweight nature is one of its most defining characteristics.
Key identification traits include:
- Pale cream to light yellow color
- Very lightweight
- Straight, uniform grain
- Medium to coarse texture
- Plain, consistent appearance
Working Properties
Obeche is extremely easy to work, making it a popular choice for carving, modeling, and general utility use. It cuts cleanly with both hand and power tools and is gentle on cutting edges.
Due to its softness, it can dent easily and may require care during handling and finishing.
- Very easy to machine and carve
- Minimal tool wear
- Sands easily
- Takes paint and finishes well
- Low durability under heavy use
Safety Note
Dust may cause irritation in some individuals. Proper dust collection and protective equipment are recommended.
Common Uses
Obeche is widely used in applications where ease of use and light weight are important.
- Carving and sculpting
- Plywood core stock
- Interior furniture components
- Pattern making
- Packaging and crates
- Musical instrument parts
Sustainability & Notes
Obeche is widely harvested and commercially important, though sustainability varies by region. It is commonly available in global markets and is often plantation-sourced in some areas.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Ilomba has a similar light weight and is used for plywood and interior applications, though it may have a slightly finer texture.
Koto is another pale hardwood with comparable uses, though it tends to be slightly denser and smoother in finish.
American Basswood is very similar in workability and is widely used for carving, making it one of the closest functional comparisons.
Related Guides
Hardwood vs Softwood: Key Differences Explained
Understand how lightweight hardwoods like Obeche compare to traditional softwoods.
How to Start a Wood Collection
Learn why adding a range of densities, including light species like Obeche, is important for a well-rounded collection.
Understanding Wood Strength: What Makes Wood Strong?
Explore how low-density woods differ structurally from heavier 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
Obeche is not typically a collector’s showpiece but is important as a reference species for lightweight hardwoods. It is often included in collections to demonstrate the lower end of the density spectrum.
Clean, uniform pieces are generally preferred.
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.
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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.
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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:
• Woodworking: The Complete Step-by-Step Manual for learning woodworking techniques, joinery, finishing, and step-by-step projects
https://amzn.to/4v1EYSZ
• Woodworking Apron for Men with 9 Tool Pockets for keeping tools organized and protecting clothing during woodworking, carving, turning, and shop work
https://amzn.to/43SZ9rt
• XFasten Double-Sided Woodworking Tape (3-Pack) for securing templates, workpieces, and patterns during routing, CNC work, edge banding, and other woodworking tasks
https://amzn.to/4xK5yTj
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