Ozigo
Scientific name: Dacryodes buettneri
Overview
Ozigo is a medium-weight African hardwood native to Central Africa, particularly Gabon and surrounding regions. It is valued for its workability, moderate strength, and unique resinous properties.
The wood is often used in general construction, interior joinery, and plywood production, where ease of processing and stability are important.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Ozigo
- Scientific Name: Dacryodes buettneri
- Region: African Hardwoods (Central Africa)
- Tree Size: 100–160 ft tall, 3–6 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 35 lbs/ft³ (560 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 710 lbf
- Color: Pale pinkish brown to light reddish brown
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Ozigo is identified by its light reddish-brown coloration and relatively coarse texture. It may exude a slight resinous scent when freshly cut.
Key identification traits include:
- Pale pinkish to reddish-brown heartwood
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Medium to coarse texture
- Occasional resinous odor when cut
Working Properties
Ozigo is generally easy to work and performs well in standard woodworking applications.
- Machines easily with minimal resistance
- Planes and sands smoothly
- Glues and finishes well
- Accepts coatings evenly
- Good dimensional stability
Safety Note
Dust may cause mild irritation. Standard protective measures are recommended during machining and sanding.
Common Uses
Ozigo is commonly used in applications where ease of workability and moderate strength are desired.
- Interior joinery
- Plywood and veneer
- Furniture components
- Paneling
- General construction
Sustainability & Notes
Ozigo is not currently listed under CITES. It is commonly harvested in Central Africa, and responsible sourcing is recommended.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Okoume – Similar in color and use, though typically lighter and more widely used in plywood.
Framire – Comparable in workability with slightly more uniform grain.
Ilomba – Similar in density but generally softer and lighter in color.
Related Guides
Wood Identification
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Drying & Acclimating Exotic Woods
Important for maintaining stability during use.
Finishing Oils vs Polyurethane on Exotic Species
Provides guidance for achieving consistent surface finishes.
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
Ozigo is a useful addition to collections as a representative of medium-density African hardwoods with resinous characteristics. Its subtle color and workability make it a good comparison species alongside Okoume and Framire.
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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:
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