Trade Names:  Koto (Pterygota, macrocarpa, P. bequertii)

Origin:  Africa

Range:  West Africa, from Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon.

Uses:  Quarter sliced veneer is used for door skins and inner surface veneers; rotary veneer used for plywood panels. Used in the furniture industry more as a backing veneer.

Properties:  The wood is yellowish-white to cream in color and becomes more yellowish-grey when steamed. Koto is very good for painting and staining. Logs must be freshly felled and chemically impregnated. Veneer and lumber (treated) should be stored in dry, well-ventilated rooms.

Machining:  Well-sharpened tools are required to produce smooth surfaces due to the interlocking grain. Green lumber tends to become slightly woolly when cut.

Seasoning:  The wood must be carefully and slowly dried to avoid surface checking. Drying should take place as soon as possible to avoid blue stain.