TALI
Distribution: Widely distributed in tropical Africa from the west to east coast. The genus is found in evergreen, deciduous, and savanna forests.
The Tree: Up to 100 to 140 ft in height; with a bole length of 30 to 50 ft, usually irregular often buttressed; trunk diameters 3 to 5 ft. Seed and bark are poisonous if ingested.
The Wood:
General Characteristics: Heartwood is red- , yellow-, or orange brown, darkening on exposure, sometimes streaked; sapwood creamy yellow, distinct. Texture coarse; grain interlocked or irregular; moderately high luster.
Weight: Basic specific gravity (ovendry weight/green volume) about 0.72; air-dry density 56 pcf.
Mechanical Properties: (2-cm standard)
Moisture content Bending strength Modulus of elasticity Maximum crushing strength
(%) (Psi) (1,000 Psi) (Psi)
green (40) 18,000 1,930 10,300
12% 23,500 2,240 14,100
12% (46) 14,400 1,530 8,100
12% (46) 21,800 2,460 11,800
Janka side hardness 2,320 lb for green material and 2,930 lb for dry. Amsler toughness 195 to 238 in.-lb for dry material (2-cm specimen).
Drying and Shrinkage: Dries slowly with some tendency to warp, generally with little degrade. Kiln schedule T3-D2 is suggested for 4/4 stock and T3-D1 for 8/4. Shrinkage green to ovendry: radial 5.8%; tangential 8.6%; volumetric 11.5%. Movement in service is rated as small.
Working Properties: Dry wood is very difficult to saw and machine, rapid blunting of tools, carbide-tipped cutters are suggested; works to a smooth finish and takes a high polish, turns well. Sawdust may cause nose and throat irritation.
Durability: Heartwood is rated as very durable and highly resistant to termite attack. Also described as resistant to marine borers.
Preservation: Heartwood untreatable; sapwood variable.
Uses: Flooring, heavy construction, railway crossties, harbor and dockwork.
