Common Name(s): Aglaia, amoora, bekak
Distribution: Tropical regions in Southeast Asia and Pacific Islands
Genus Size: Just over 100 species (with over 300 additional species treated as synonyms)
Mechanical Characteristics: Generally medium to moderately heavy dried weight, with decent strength characteristics for a hardwood. Lumber can have a tendency to warp or deform during initial drying, although dimensional stability is good once dry.
Visual Characteristics: Ranges in color from light brown to darker reddish brown. Heartwood color is usually linked to density—heavier pieces tend to be darker in color. Grain is interlocked, giving quartersawn surfaces a ribbon-stripe grain appearance. Overall appearance resembles mahogany.
Identification: Aglaia species bear a resemblance to genuine mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) and they are actually botanically related—both woods being in the Meliaceae family. Aglaia species can be separated from most mahoganies based on its fragrant heartwood scent and banded (never marginal) parenchyma.
Species listing