Exotic Hardwoods of Rhode Island

   African Cherry

Description:  African Cherry is a pale red to reddish-brown wood with a very fine, even grain.  It is often used as a less expensive and very attractive substitute for American Cherry.  It is used most often for furniture building but it is also great for woodturning.  It is a very hard wood, and can be pretty rough on tools, but it is extremely durable and it glues very well and stains to a beautiful finish.

Common Name:  Makore


Country of Origin:  Central Africa along the western coast

Color Range:  Heartwood is pink to pinkish-brown. Sapwood is lighter

Botanical name:  Mimusops Heckelii

Other Names:  African Cherry, Baku, Douka, Ukola

Hardness:  1710 as compared to: Red oak- 1260 & N maple- 1450


Exotic Hardwoods of Rhode Island