AFRICAN ZEBRANO: J
As its name indicates the zebra type grain can be stunning particularly when quarter sawn. Available in good length and width specifications but does have a wide sapwood band. Due to possible insect atttack we do not recommend the sapwood is included in any finished product.

Production: 1/SE, S/E, DIM.

Microberlinia brazzavillensis
Family: Leguminosae

Comercial Names: Zingana and Zebrawood.

Distribution: West Africa, chiefly Gabon and Cameroon Republic.

General Description: The heartwood is a light golden-yellow with narrow veining streaks of dark brown to almost black, giving the quartered surfaces a zebra-stripe appearance. The grain is interlocked or wavy and produces alternating hard and soft grainedmaterial which makes the timber difficult to work. Zebrano has acoarse texture and a lustrous surface. Weight 740kg/m3 (46lb/ft3);specific gravity .74.

Mechanical Properties: This hard, heavy stable timber is mainlyused for decorative purposes due to its nature, where strength and mechanical properties are unimportant.

Seasoning: The material is difficult to dry and requires care in order to avoid surface checking, splitting and distortion. There is small movement in service.

Working Properties: Although the wood works fairly readily with hand or machine tools, it is very difficult to get a good finish from machines due to the alternative nature of the grain. A belt sander will provide a smooth finish. Gluing is satisfactory with care and it finishes well once filled.

Durability: Non-durable. Liable to attack by insects and resistant to preservative treatment.

Uses: The main use for zebrano is a sliced decorative veneers for small cabinet work, flush doors, cross bandings or inlay bandings,fancy goods, marquetry and panelling. Bundles of this veneer tend to buckle unless kept under weights. Also used by turners and carvers for decorative work.

JBT Comment: This is a very unusual timber which can be quite stunning in the right application.

Grade: FAS

Specification: Square edge: 8ft and longer, 5ins and wider.

Stockholding: Limited kiln dried stocks available with larger quantities to order 3-4 weeks in 1ins, 11/2ins, 2ins, 3ins and 4ins thickness.