year round, although the main flowering period is in the spring, with a 
second, though less abundant blossoming in the autumn (1, 22). 
The fruit takes about 6 months to develop and generally matures in the autumn. 
It is in the form of a fig-shaped, fleshy capsule. These capsules are over an 
inch in diameter, yellow or orange in color, scented, and have a soft, whitish 
pulp in which the seeds (usually U or ^ in number) are imbedded. The seeds 
germinate readily, and the young seedlings are plentiful, although few survive 
in the dense shade of the old-growth forests. They quickly fill up any open- 
ings in the stand and are easily transplanted (1, 29). 
The Food 
General Appearance 
Although avodire belongs to the Meliaceae family, the wood has few characteris- 
tics of mahogany. When stained and finished, however, the figured wood may 
greatly resemble African mahogany superficially (22). Its natural pale color 
and high, satiny luster have occasioned the use cf the wood as a substitute 
for satinwood (6). The logs vary greatly in color, grain, figure, and quality 
(111). The crooked, irregular logs often contain ring checks and even cross or 
windbreaks (22). 
Color 
The wood is creamy white to pale yellow, sometimes darkening to golden yellow 
(19). Unlike most of the Lieliaceae, the color is light and uniform throughout, 
Since the heartwood is not distinctly colored, it is difficult to distinguish 
the sapwood from the heartwood areas; the wood is therefore easy to match in 
use and is especially valued for use where blond wood is desired (6, 2[i). 
Luster 
When worked, the wood has a high, satiny, natural luster (l, 18). 
Weight 
The wood is rather light to heavy in weight and soft to moderately hard; 
specific gravity 0.1i5 to 0,60 (air-dry), which is in the mahogany range; 
weight usually about 31 to 37 pounds per cubic foot (18, 26). It is fairly 
resistant to indentation (29). Avodire proved less hard than most of the 
cabinet woods tested by Harrar (10). The results given in table 1 are taken 
from his tests. 
Rept. No. R1905 -h- 
