Iroko is a large hardwood tree from west coast of tropical Africa. It is one of the woods sometimes referred to as African Teak, although it is unrelated to the teak family. The wood color is initially yellow but darkens to a richer brown over time. It is yielded mostly (probably) by Milicia excelsa. In much of the literature on this timber the names of the trees that yields it are given as Chlorophora excelsa and Chlorophora regia.[1][2]
In the forest of Ouidah, Benin, Iroko is sacred to the Yoruba people. The tree is feared and hence is shunned or revered with offerings.[3] Yoruba people believe that anybody who sees the Iroko-man face to face who is said to inhabit becomes insane and speedily dies.[4] According to the Yoruba, any man who cuts down any Iroko tree results in devastating misfortune on the woodcutter and all of his family.[4] They also claim that the spirit of the Iroko can be heard in houses which use Iroko wood and that it is the spirit of the Iroko, trapped in the wood.[4] There are similar trees in Nigeria which have the same claims by the Yoruba people.
The wood is used for a variety of purposes including boat-building, domestic flooring and furniture. From the late 1990s, it was used as part of the txalaparta, a Basque musical instrument constructed of wooden boards, due to its lively sound.
It is a very durable wood; iroko does not require regular treatment with oil or varnish when used outdoors. Although it is almost as durable as teak, it does not have the same stability.
In the UK there are trade restrictions on the machining of this timber as the dust is known to be carcinogenic.