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: 9
Number of individual trees analyzed: 9
Number of specimens: 21
Number of measurements: 66
Max PZC read (of all measurements): 29.7
Min PZC read (of all measurements): 14.8
Max PZC average on one log: 25.9
Min PZC average on one log: 15.7
PZC Average of all logs: 20.3

Species: lovoa trichilioides
Family: Meliaceae
Clade: Angiospermae
Description: Lovoa trichilioides, also known as African Walnut or Tigerwood, is a large evergreen tree native to West and Central African rainforests. It features glossy, pinnate leaves and produces small, fragrant, yellowish-white flowers followed by woody capsules containing winged seeds. Its highly valued timber is known for its durability and attractive, often striped grain.
Other Local Names: Bibolo, Bosso, Congowood, Tigerwood, Noyer d’Afrique, Noyer du Gabon, Éyan, African walnut, Dubini-biri, Mpengwa, Embero, M’bero, N’vero, Mukongoro, Anamenila, Apopo, Sida, Mukusu, Nkoba, Boyo kondi, Bombulu, Lifaki muindu, African walnut, Tigerwood, Wnaimei

Reference Colour: Brown
Texture: Fine
Grain: Interlocked grain
Interlocked Grain: Slight
Notes: Ring shakes and brittleheart possible in some logs. Wood yellow brown or grey brown, with black streaks or veins taking a golden glint. Black deposits in the pores.

Diameter: 60÷120cm
Density @12% MC: 530kg/m³
Janka Hardness: 690lbf
Crushing Strength @12%MC: 47MPa
Static Bending Strength @12%MC: 72MPa
Longitudinal Modulus of Elasticity E: 10.46GPa
Volumetric Shrinkage Coefficient: 0.43% per %
Total Tangential Shrinkage TS: 5.8%
Total Radial Shrinkage TS: 3.7%
T/R Anisotropy Ratio: 1.6-
Fibre Saturation Point: 27%
Thermal Conductivity: 0.18W/mk
Lower Heating Value: 19595KJ/Kg
Sapwood Thickness: 3÷7cm
Sapwood Demarcation: Clearly demarcated

Resistance to Decay: Class 3-4 – moderately to poorly durable
Resistance to Dry Wood Borers: Class D – durable (sapwood demarcated, risk limited to sapwood)
Resistance to Termites: Class S – susceptible
Treatability: Class – 3-4 – poorly or not permeable
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. Atlas of Tropical Timber Species DIBÉTOU
Durability Notes: This species is listed in the NF EN 350 standard. Atlas of Tropical Timber Species DIBÉTOU Cross sections of Lovoa trichilioides

Log Buoyancy: Floats
Log Conservation: Moderate (treatment recommended)
Drying Rate: Rapid to normal
Drying Risk of Distortion: Slight risk
Drying Risk of Case Hardening: No known specific risk
Drying Risk of Checking: Slight risk

Blunting Effect: Normal
Sawing Tooth: Ordinary or alloy steel
Machining Tool: Ordinary
Suitability for Peeling: Good
Suitability for Slicing: Good
Sawing Machining Notes: Difficulties due to interlocked grain in planing (tearing). Tools must be kept sharp.
Assembly Nailing Screwing: Good
Additional Notes: Although local names include Noyer du Gabon and African Walnut / Noyer, d’Afrique, this species should not be confused with Walnut (Juglans regia), which it, resembles
End Uses: Turned goods, Exterior joinery, Framing, Interior joinery, Cabinetry (high-end furniture), Built-in furniture or mobile item, Veneer for back or face of plywood, Sliced veneer, Panelling, Seats

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