Boiré, also known as Mambode (Detarium macrocarpum, D. senegalense) is a tree that grows in tropical Africa and produces very attractive and sought-after hardwood. Due to its striking resemblance to European walnut, it was marketed under the name ‘African walnut’ in the mid-20th century. However, the wood is many times harder and heavier than walnut wood, with a specific weight of 1000 to 1100 kg/m3, making it similar in weight and hardness to ebony.
Its appearance is very similar to walnut in color and porosity, with typical dark stripes on a medium brown background. Untreated, the wood has a slightly matt surface. The heartwood, which often has colored stripes and can be classified between walnut and rosewood in terms of wood appearance, has contributed to the popularity of this wood. Due to its attractive wood appearance, Boiré is often used for interior fittings, but also as solid wood when high strength is required. As veneer it is used for various types of furniture, pianos, doors, and panels, for small furniture, furniture fittings, woodturning, carvings, and, less commonly, for parquet flooring.
