Muhuhu


Name Muhuhu (Brachylaena hutchinsii)
Type Hardwood.
Other Names Also known as muhugu, mubuubu, watho, mvumvo, mshenzi.
Sources Grows in east Africa.
Appearance Usually straight grained with a very fine, even texture. Dark yellowish brown heartwood (sometimes with darker streaks) and narrow grayish sapwood. Exudes a pleasant odor when machined.
Physical Props Very heavy, hard and dense, with a high resistance to abrasion, high crushing strength, and low shock resistance and stiffness.
Working Props Exudes a pleasant odor when machined. Very heavy, hard and dense, with a high resistance to abrasion, high crushing strength, and low shock resistance and stiffness. Stable in use and quite durable. Difficult to machine – has tendency to burn and gum up cutting edges. Good turning properties. Pre-drilling required for screwing and nailing. Stains and polishes to a very nice finish. Ideal for heavy duty flooring due to its abrasion and wear resistance. Aromatic oil extracted from wood for use in perfumes.
Uses Also used for carving, turnery, heavy construction, decking, door and window frames, and as a substitute for sandalwood for cremation purposes.