Ekop Naga

Description

Ekop-Naga with the Latin name Brachystegia leonensis is an African wood species commonly harvested in the coastal region of south-east Cameroon. It is also called Naga in some regions, the trees can grow up to 18 m and have a trunk diameter of up to 1.5 m.

With density 560 (Kg/m3), 12.88 GPa Elastic Modules, and 55 Mpa Crushing Strength Ekop-Naga is a great choice in interiors joinery, Interior paneling, furniture or furniture components, frames, stairs (inside), parquet floors, Light carpentry, Glued laminated, and Cabinetwork (high-class furniture).

If we talk about physical appearance, then the sapwood of the Ekop-Naga is white to pale yellowish and the heartwood is pale brown to copper brown and clearly demarcated. It is easy to saw Ecop-Naga when it is green, but after drying in the air, much more force is required and burn may also occur. The bole of the tree will be short and often curved and it features large buttresses or rounded ridges at the base.

The wood features highly interlocked grain thus special care is required when drying due to the frequent risks of distortion. Ekop-Naga is Moderately resistant to termites attack and Moderately durable to decay. However, without preservative treatment, it will be at risk of occasional re-humidification.

There is no commercial restriction on Ekop-naga woods. While the Ekop-Naga is common in dense rain forests or coastal areas the wood is local to Cameroon but also found in other regions such as Gabon with the name Mendou.

Other than Naga, Ekop-Naga and Mendou, The tree is also popular with a few more names such as Bodgei (Sierra Leone); Ekop; Brown teak; Okwen (United Kingdom); Okwen (Nigeria); Meblo (Côte d`Ivoire); and Tebako in Liberia.