It is necessary to bore or drill azobe, preferably with power-driven tools, for 
nailing or bolting, but the good results obtained are thought to compensate for 
the extra work (35). It is possible to obtain strong joints, but care is needed 
to prevent splitting. A fairly clean cut can be obtained on a turning lathe 
(22) . Glue adheres well to this wood (22) . Stains are not readily absorbed, and 
a filler is needed for finishing (22) . 
Uses 
Although too hard for many purposes, azobe has been found to be suitable for 
heavy construction, especially for wharves, piles, dock gates, decking, bridges, 
truck floors and bodies railway ties, and mine slides. It is used for canoes 
and boats, floors, parquet material, tanks, stairsteps, turnery, engraver's 
blocks, and handles and for novelties because of its color. It is suitable for 
fuel and for making charcoal. 
Although azobe has been considered rather heavy and hard for cabinet and furni- 
ture making, it has been used for billiard tables and has been recommended for 
switchboards on account of its high electrical resistance. Since production of 
azobe has recently been encouraged by the U, S. Economic Cooperation Administra- 
tion, it is planned to develop utilization for furniture also, especially because 
of the wood's characteristic shape-holding power and resistance to wear. 
Azobe is even preferred over metal and reinforced concrete for certain maritime 
installations and is generallv rated as a construction wood of the first order 
(L £*> §9, 35, hi, hi, k8). 
Bypr oduc ts 
The leaves, bark, and oil-containing seeds are used medicinally in Africa for 
treating jaundice and leprosy (5. 9 ; 20, 46) . The oil is also a possible source 
of material for soap making (10, kO) . The bark has been used as a remedy for 
malaria (5, 20) . 
Supply 
Azobe is reported as being available in flitches, or logs of 3 to h feet in 
diameter and up to Uo feet long (24), or in squared timbers JO by 30 inches and 
18 to 25 feet or more long {lh, 357. 
Production of azobe and other tropical woods is reported to have been encouraged 
by the Iconomic Cooperation Administration through the supplying of sawmill and 
logging machinery to the French in the Cameroons (£2). Prior to 1939, more than 
a million tons were exported annually from the French cole.. 
Structure 
Gr owth Kinr:s .--Seasonal growth rings are absent or indistinct without ma. .. -a- 
tion (5) . 
Report No. R1915 -5- 
