LIMBA - Terminalia superba

Common Name(s): Limba, Black Limba, White Limba, Korina, Afara
Scientific Name: Terminalia Superba
Distribution:  Tropical Africa
Tree Size: 65-100 ft (20-30 m) tall, 5-7 ft (1.5-2.2 m) trunk diameter
Average Dried Weight: 35 lbs/ft3 (555 kg/m3)
Crushing Strength: 6,580 lbf/in2 (45.4 MPa)
Shrinkage: Radial: 4.3%, Tangential: 6.3%, Volumetric: 10.8%, T/R Ratio: 1.5​

Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It is prized for its excellent color, flexibility, and finish. When finished in a clear coat, Limba results in an attractive golden color. ​

Common Uses: Heartwood is a light yellowish to golden brown, sometimes grey to nearly black streaks and veins. Wood with such darker figuring is referred to as Black Limba, while plain unfigured wood is called White Limba. Color tends to darken with age.

Color/Appearance: Grain is straight to slightly interlocked, with a uniformly coarse texture. Moderate natural luster.

Grain/Texture: Rated as non-durable. And also susceptible to insect attack.

​Rot Resistance: Furniture, veneer, plywood, musical instruments (electric guitar bodies), and turned objects.