Dahoma

Material Type:
Hardwood

Also Called:
African Ebony, African Ironwood, Black Africanwood, Zebrawood

Durability Notes:
Dahoma, also known by its botanical name Piptadeniastrum africanum, is a type of wood that is highly regarded for its durability. It is difficult to work with due to its hard and dense nature, but this also makes it very suitable for use in outdoor applications, such as furniture, decks, and other applications where it will be exposed to the elements. It is also resistant to decay, making it a great choice for areas where decay is a potential problem. Additionally, it is known for its ability to be polished to a high gloss to bring out its beautiful grain patterns.

Seasoning:
The seasoning process for Dahoma, also known by its botanical name Piptadeniastrum africanum, requires careful attention and monitoring. The wood is best air-dried, as this process prevents cracking, warping, and checking. The recommended drying process involves slow, gradual drying over time, with a target moisture content of 12-14%. The wood should be stacked in a well-ventilated area and covered with a tarp to protect it from the elements. It is important to monitor the wood during the drying process, as the wood can become brittle and easily damaged if it is not dried properly. Additionally, the drying process can be accelerated by kiln-drying the wood, though this is not recommended for best results.

Properties:
Dahoma (Piptadeniastrum africanum) is a medium to large hardwood species from the Caesalpiniaceae family. It is native to western Central Africa and is found in Cameroon, Congo, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. It has a yellowish-brown to dark red-brown heartwood, with a yellowish-white to pale brown sapwood. The wood is relatively light in weight and has a medium to fine texture with a straight to interlocked grain. The wood is generally straight-grained, but can be wavy or irregular. It is reported to be easy to work with, but can be difficult to glue and can develop a fuzzy surface when sanded. It is also reported to be resistant to decay and insect attack. Dahoma is used in furniture, flooring, construction and boat building.

Typical Uses:
Furniture, Cabinetry, Interior Trim, Flooring, Decking, Exterior Siding, Veneers.

More Info:
Dahoma is a relatively slow-growing wood species, with a growth rate of approximately 0.6 to 0.8 cm per year. It has a density of approximately 0.75 g/cm3 and a Janka hardness rating of 1150. The wood is also moderately stable, with a low rate of shrinkage in both radial and tangential directions. It has a wide range of uses, including joinery, decorative veneers, musical instruments, and certain types of furniture. The wood is also prized for its exceptional tonal qualities, making it ideal for use in the production of stringed instruments.

Spiritual Properties:
Dahoma, also known by its botanical name Piptadeniastrum africanum, is not known to have any spiritual or mystical properties associated with it. However, in some African cultures, it is used as a symbol of fertility and is sometimes used to decorate fertility dolls. It is also occasionally used in rituals and ceremonies to promote harmony and health.

Possible Health Risks:
There are some potential health risks to humans associated with using Dahoma wood. The wood contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be released into the air, and these compounds can cause eye and respiratory irritation in some people. Additionally, the wood may contain fungal spores that can cause allergic reactions or illnesses, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems.

Sustainability:
Dahoma wood, also known by its botanical name Piptadeniastrum africanum, is a hardwood species native to West and Central Africa. It is often used in furniture and flooring, as well as in construction and boatbuilding.In terms of sustainability, Dahoma is a relatively slow-growing species and is not typically managed for sustainable forestry. Illegal logging is a major concern for the species, and it is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The environmental impact of Dahoma wood is largely dependent on the harvesting and production practices of the particular supplier. To minimize environmental impact, it is important to look for suppliers who use sustainable forestry practices and/or are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

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