Asamela: A Legume-Family Timber with Teak-Like Color

Wood Dictionary

Asamela is a timber with a restrained yellow-brown surface, also known as afrormosia. It is sometimes described as similar in color to teak, but it is botanically a different tree. Understanding its names and color helps when comparing brown-toned veneers. USDA Wood Handbook, Chapter 1 / Kew Pericopsis elata

International delivery
For delivery outside Japan, please contact MORI KOUGEI before placing your order. Shipping availability depends on the material’s species and origin, the destination, and any permits or certificates required. Any required permits or certificates must be arranged before dispatch.

The photographs are examples of the color and grain associated with each wood or figure. Every piece of natural wood is different; the sheet you receive will not have exactly the same color or grain as the photographs.

Name and basic information

Trade names and other names: Asamela / Afrormosia / Kokrodua MORI KOUGEI Asamela A4 Veneer Sheet / Kew Pericopsis elata / USDA Wood Handbook, Chapter 1
Typical scientific name and family: Pericopsis elata / Fabaceae Kew Pericopsis elata
Natural distribution: West and Central Tropical Africa Kew Pericopsis elata
A4 veneer cut: Quarter cut MORI KOUGEI Asamela A4 Veneer Sheet

The alternative name afrormosia

The generally used scientific name is Pericopsis elata. Afrormosia, derived from the older name Afrormosia elata, remains widely used. MORI KOUGEI sells it as Asamela. Comparing spellings and alternative names in references can reveal that different names sometimes lead to descriptions of the same timber. Kew Pericopsis elata / MORI KOUGEI Asamela A4 Veneer Sheet

Teak-like in color, but a different species

Asamela is generally yellowish brown with darker streaks and has been used as a substitute for teak. It is, however, a timber in the genus Pericopsis, family Fabaceae, not teak itself. The alternative name “African teak” is best understood as a trade name conveying similarities in appearance or use. USDA Wood Handbook, Chapter 1 / Kew Pericopsis elata / MORI KOUGEI Asamela A4 Veneer Sheet

Making use of yellow-brown tones

MORI KOUGEI describes it as a lustrous brown-toned timber. When comparing brown woods, yellowish and reddish tones create different overall color relationships. Rather than choosing from one isolated photograph, compare the wood with the colors of the materials you want to combine. MORI KOUGEI Asamela A4 Veneer Sheet

On the sides of a small box, a frame, or a panel, you might run the grain along the long edge or change its direction from face to face. If you want a quiet color scheme, varying grain direction can introduce interest. Considering color and pattern separately opens up more options.

Timber uses and the role of an A4 sheet

Asamela timber is generally used for furniture, interior components, and decorative veneer. An A4 veneer sheet, however, is intended to be bonded to a substrate as a decorative facing. Uses associated with solid timber do not mean that the sheet can be used directly outdoors or where it will come into contact with water. USDA Wood Handbook, Chapter 1 / MORI KOUGEI Asamela A4 Veneer Sheet

MORI KOUGEI's A4 product is quarter cut, measures 210 × 297 mm, and is approximately 0.25 mm thick. Natural wood veneer is backed with industrial washi paper. It is used for furniture edges, repairs to flat wooden surfaces, marquetry, and similar work, as part of a construction that includes a substrate, adhesive, and finish. MORI KOUGEI Asamela A4 Veneer Sheet

When cut into small components, only part of the original sheet's grain remains visible. Establish the shapes first and lay them out to check which flow of grain you want to show. Test adhesion and the finished appearance on an offcut, and consider a composition that makes use of natural color variation rather than expecting perfectly matched tones. MORI KOUGEI Asamela A4 Veneer Sheet

For international orders, please contact us before ordering. Include the material name, quantity and destination in your message.

Enquire about Asamela A4 veneer sheet ↗

Explore related woods

This article draws on publicly available sources from Japan and abroad, with AI used to support research and organization.

References

Kew Pericopsis elata
USDA Wood Handbook, Chapter 1
MORI KOUGEI Asamela A4 Veneer Sheet