Guibourtia

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iGuibourtia

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Fabales
Family:	Fabaceae
Subfamily:	Caesalpinioideae
Tribe:	Detarieae
Genus:	Guibourtia

Species

Guibourtia arnoldiana
Guibourtia chodatiana
Guibourtia coleosperma - bastard teak,
Rhodesian mahogany
Guibourtia conjugata
Guibourtia copallifera - gum-copal
Guibourtia demeusei
Guibourtia ehie
Guibourtia tessmannii

Guibourtia is a plant genus of the family Fabaceae (legume family). It contains 16 to 17 species in tropical Africa.

The genus is well-known for its luxury timbers. The best-known timber is bubinga (Guibourtia demeusei, aka kevazingo). Another is ovangkol. Species of Guibourtia also produce Congo copal.

[edit] Uses

Bubinga wood is often used by luthiers for harps and other instruments because of its mellow and well-rounded sound.

[edit] Distribution and habitat

These species are found in Equatorial Africa, from Southeast Nigeria, through Cameroon and Gabon to the Congo region. They occur in swampy or periodically inundated forests, as well as near rivers or at lakeshores.