Obeche
Triplochiton scleroxylon
Genus: Triplochiton · Family: Malvaceae
Quick Facts
Wood Type
Hardwood
Native Range
Africa
Avg. Dried Weight
24 lb/ft³
Janka Hardness
350 lbf
Decay Resistance
Perishable
Typical Color
White / Straw
Stability
High
Outdoor Suitability
Poor
Workability
Easy
Availability
Commercially Available
CITES
Unlisted
IUCN
Not Evaluated
Did You Know?
- •Obeche is softer than 99% of species in our database, making it one of the lightest and easiest to work by hand.
- •Obeche is remarkably light at just 24 lb/ft³ — less than half the weight of Oak.
Janka Hardness Scale
Very Soft
Appearance
Technical Properties
Sources, Conditions & Safety
No documented references are attached to this profile yet. Its recorded values should not be treated as source-verified.
Wood dust & sensitivity
Species-specific safety information has not been documented here. Absence of a warning does not mean the wood is safe or non-allergenic.
Use dust extraction and appropriate protective equipment; consult occupational-safety guidance. This is not medical advice or food-contact approval.
Durability & Performance
Workability
Common Uses
Sustainability & Trade
Listings are reference information, not proof of legal sourcing or certification. Verify current trade rules and supplier documentation before buying; absence of a note does not mean unrestricted trade.
Native Distribution
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Species with similar characteristics and uses
Look-Alike Species
Woods with a similar white / straw color that are easily confused with Obeche. Recorded differences are shown where data exists; confirm identification with end-grain examination.
- • Softer (Janka 67 lbf)
- • Lighter (9 lb/ft³)
- • Texture: Fine, even
- • Heavier (28 lb/ft³)
- • Decay: Non-Durable
- • Texture: Fine to medium
- • Harder (Janka 1,480 lbf)
- • Heavier (42 lb/ft³)
- • Decay: Non-Durable