THE NIGERIAN TIMBER TREES 321 



King of the Timber. Funfun (Yoruba) ; Ogwangu Nufwa, 

 Ogigedu (Benin). 



Many specimens of this tree are found in the mixed forests 

 on the banks of the Ovia River in the Ifon district of the Benin 

 province, and also isolated trees near the banks of the Owena 

 River in the Ondo province. 



The chief characteristic of this tree is the speckled white 

 bark, which gives the stem generally a light, almost white or 

 grey colour. The white patches in the bark occur irregularly 

 scattered all round the bole, being chiefly confined to the lower 

 half of it. In young trees the four very strong lateral roots 

 show up prominently above the ground, leading away from the 

 tree more or less at right angles and remaining above the 

 surface of the ground for two or three feet. This feature to 

 some extent persists even in old age, but then it is not so pro- 

 nounced, as these roots tend to form more or less stout but- 

 tresses similar to the others, but coming out more abruptly 

 and forming a more shelf-like protuberance from the stem. 



The timber is supposed to be lighter, and of a lighter colour 

 than that of the other Khayas. However, it appears to be 

 only rather more of a pinkish -brown when freshly cut, taking 

 on the typical mahogany-brown once it is exposed to the air. 

 So far, it has always been sold mixed up with the other species 

 cut in the same area, and realizes similar prices. It may 

 perhaps have even helped towards the scoring of the higher 

 average price of 6d. per superficial foot which was obtained 

 from one area where this species is found. 

 Khaya n. sp. Mahogany. Ogwangu (Benin). 



This was found in the Benin province of Nigeria. In the 

 wood, it shows a considerable difference to the other Khayas, 

 being a much lighter red-brown colour and of more open 

 texture. 

 Khaya Ivoriensis. Coast Mahogany. Obi, Oganwo, Akpakor 

 (Yoruba). 



This species is supposed to be that from which most of the 

 coastal mahogany is obtained, more especially in the more 

 low-lying regions. The wood is of a richer and darker colour 

 and somewhat heavier than that of the other species. The most 

 typical feature, though, is the very sheeny nature of the wood 

 and the very considerable size of the medullary rays, which, 

 however, are not conspicuous, as in the wood from Nigeria. 

 Khaya Senegalensis. Dry-zone Mahogany. Oganwo (Yoruba) ; 

 Ogwangu (Benin). 



Chief Characteristics. — The tree has an open crown with a 

 few upspreading branches, and apparently much less foliage 

 21 



