Chatoyance was measured by the chatometry.com team using the PZC method. The statistics for this specific timber are hereby summarized to provide an evaluation of data robustness:
Number of sources for samples: 3
Number of individual trees analyzed: 3
Number of specimens: 7
Number of measurements: 21
Max PZC read (of all measurements): 21.2
Min PZC read (of all measurements): 14.4
Max PZC average on one log: 19.0
Min PZC average on one log: 15.7
PZC Average of all logs: 17.3

Species: sterculia rhinopetala
Family: Malvaceae
Clade: Angiospermae
Description: A medium-sized deciduous tree, Sterculia rhinopetala features large, deeply lobed leaves and showy clusters of pink to reddish-pink bell-shaped flowers. It produces distinctive star-shaped, bright red or orange fruit pods that split open to reveal black seeds.
Other Local Names: N’kanang, Brown Sterculia, Wawabima, Aye, Brown sterculia

Reference Colour: Red brown
Texture: Coarse
Grain: Straight or interlocked
Interlocked Grain: Slight

Diameter: 60÷80cm
Density @12% MC: 840kg/m³
Janka Hardness: 1680lbf
Crushing Strength @12%MC: 72MPa
Static Bending Strength @12%MC: 133MPa
Longitudinal Modulus of Elasticity E: 18.67GPa
Volumetric Shrinkage Coefficient: 0.68% per %
Total Tangential Shrinkage TS: 10%
Total Radial Shrinkage TS: 5%
T/R Anisotropy Ratio: 2-
Fibre Saturation Point: 26%
Thermal Conductivity: 0.27W/mk
Sapwood Thickness: 4÷6cm
Sapwood Demarcation: Clearly demarcated

Resistance to Decay: Class 2 – durable
Resistance to Dry Wood Borers: Class D – durable (sapwood demarcated, risk limited to sapwood)
Resistance to Termites: Class M – moderately durable
Treatability: Class 3 – poorly treatable
Use Class Covered by Natural Durability: Class 2 – inside or under cover (dampness possible) Notes. This species is listed in the NF EN 350 standard. LOTOFA / BROWN STERCULIA*
Durability Notes: This species is listed in the NF EN 350 standard. LOTOFA / BROWN STERCULIA* Cross sections of Sterculia rhinopetala

Log Buoyancy: Does not float
Log Conservation: Moderate (treatment recommended)
Drying Rate: Slow
Drying Risk of Distortion: High risk
Drying Risk of Case Hardening: No known specific risk
Drying Risk of Checking: High risk

Blunting Effect: Normal
Machining Tool: Ordinary
Suitability for Peeling: Good
Suitability for Slicing: Good
Sawing Machining Notes: Very irritant sawdust. Some difficulties in planing in the presence of interlocked grain.
Assembly Nailing Screwing: Good but pre-boring necessary
Assembly Notes: Tends to split with nailing. High specific gravity: important that gluing be performed in compliance with the code of practice and instructions for the glue used.
Additional Notes: Filling is recommended to obtain a better finish
End Uses: Heavy carpentry, Built-in furniture or mobile item, Stairs (inside), House framing, Veneer for back or face of plywood, Flooring, Veneer for interior of plywood, Sliced veneer, Panelling, Seats, Interior joinery

Source 1: Tropical Timber Atlas, Editions Quae, e-ISBN 978-2-7592-2770-9