What is an African walnut?

African walnut, coula edulis, is an evergreen tree endemic to tropical and subtropical area of ​​West Africa. Although the word walnut has in its name, the tree is not related to other nuts. In countries where the African walnut naturally grows, different parts of the tree can be used as food, medicine, fuel or building materials. Lumber of these trees is commonly exported to other parts of the world where it is used for floor or furniture.

A resistant tree, an African walnut can grow in different soil conditions and tolerates well weak light. It usually grows in jungles where the upper canopy can prevent large sunlight from reaching the leaves of this tree. The African walnut tree, which is evergreen, keeps its leaves throughout the year and produces flowers at the end of spring and nuts in the autumn. The nuts resemble walnuts in size and shape, although not taste. Crush them into flour or draw them into cooking oil.

African walnut wood can be used in the construction of houses or furniture. It is a robust wood that is resistant to weathering and many types of insect contamination, even if it is prone to termites. The cost of export of this tree is impractical for use in large building projects in areas outside Western Africa, although commonly used worldwide for floor or special furniture. In West African countries, wood is often used in buildings, bridges and other large structures. African walnut wood is also commonly made in coal for cooking.

African wood, African walnut is popular for both its color and grain. The Heartwood of the Tree, which contains the largest part of the wood, ranges from dark, golden yellow to reddish-brown, often with the darker veins they pass. The outer part of the wood, called Sapwood, is usually gray or light yellow. The grain of wood is considered quite shiny and has medium pores and textto determine. On many trees, grain is interconnected, which can make it difficult to create long, straight plates from African walnut. However, it can be easily processed from different angles and sides, which is desirable as wood for furniture.