Ozouga
Scientific name: Sacoglottis gabonensis
Overview
Ozouga is a medium-density African hardwood native to Central Africa. It is known for its durability, moderate strength, and resistance to decay, making it suitable for both interior and exterior applications.
It is commonly used in construction, flooring, and general woodworking.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Ozouga
- Scientific Name: Sacoglottis gabonensis
- Region: African Hardwoods (Central Africa)
- Tree Size: 100–130 ft tall, 3–5 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 50 lbs/ft³ (800 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,500 lbf
- Color: Yellowish brown to medium brown
- Grain: Interlocked
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Ozouga is identified by its yellowish-brown color and interlocked grain, often producing a slightly irregular surface when machined.
Key identification traits include:
- Yellowish to medium brown heartwood
- Interlocked grain
- Medium to coarse texture
- Moderate to heavy weight
Working Properties
Ozouga can be moderately difficult to work due to its grain structure.
- Moderate machining difficulty
- Interlocked grain may cause tear-out
- Gluing and finishing are generally good
- Durable and stable when dried properly
Safety Note
Dust may cause irritation. Standard protective equipment is recommended.
Common Uses
Ozouga is used in both structural and decorative applications.
- Flooring
- Exterior construction
- Furniture
- Joinery
- Heavy-duty applications
Sustainability & Notes
Ozouga is not listed under CITES. It is harvested in Central Africa, and responsible sourcing is encouraged.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Okan – Similar durability and density with heavy-use applications.
Doussie – Comparable strength and color range.
Azobe – Heavier and more durable, used in extreme environments.
Related Guides
Machining Dense Tropical Hardwoods
Helps address challenges with harder species.
Drying & Acclimating Exotic Woods
Important for stability and performance.
Understanding CITES & Protected Species
Supports responsible sourcing decisions.
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
Ozouga provides a strong representation of mid-to-heavy density African hardwoods. Its interlocked grain and durability make it a useful comparison species for both structural and decorative wood categories.
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.
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:
• CMT Orange Tools 8-Inch Dado Saw Blade Set for creating clean grooves, dados, and joinery cuts in woodworking projects
https://amzn.to/4wLVIzR
• Howard Feed-N-Wax Wood Polish and Conditioner for restoring and protecting finished wood surfaces
https://amzn.to/3PDy0VS
• General Tools MMD4E Digital Moisture Meter for checking moisture content in wood and detecting potential water damage
https://amzn.to/4wMsEbz
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