Ekki (Lophira alata) Also known as Azobe, Bongossi and Red Ironwood Ekki is native to tropical West Africa with large quantities being exported from Gabon and Cameroon.

The sapwood is pale pink and sharply defined from the heartwood, which is red brown to dark brown containing small white deposits in the pores. The grain is usually interlocked producing a course texture. The timber has a high breaking strength and can withstand tremendous pressures. Due to its great strength and durability Ekki is ideally suited for use in marine constructions exposed to wind and weather i.e. Lock Gates, Fenders, Piers, Bridges, Railway Sleepers and Bridge Decks, It has a high electrical resistance and is perhaps the most acid resistant commercial timber available. The tree can grow to a height of 40 - 50 metres with b maximum diameter of 1.8 -2.0 metres. The trunks are usually free of branches up to 25 - 30 metres, which makes it an ideal timber for producing long lengths of large sections, Nett weight (kg/m3)-1100-1300.

Durability - very resistant to decay and marine borers. Class 1, very durable. Working Qualities - difficult with hand tools but takes a good machine finish. Nailing and screwing - drilling beforehand is necessary.

Treatment - a very dense timber and extremely difficult to impregnate with liquids, not regarded as a timber that requires treatment.

Strength - suitable for grading to HS - Strength Class D60. Certification