Movingui (Distemonanthus benthamianus) is a tropical hardwood native to West and Central Africa. It’s renowned for its vibrant yellow to golden-brown color, often with a shimmering appearance and interlocked grain, giving it a decorative ribbon-like figure when quartersawn. Its visual appeal and workability make it a desirable choice for both aesthetic and structural applications.

• Color: Bright yellow to golden-brown, sometimes with darker streaks.
• Grain: Interlocked, often producing attractive ribbon figure.
• Texture: Medium to coarse with a natural luster.
• Figure: Often decorative, especially when quartersawn.
• Density (air-dried): 640–750 kg/m³ (40–47 lb/ft³)
• Hardness (Janka): ~910 lbf (4,050 N
• Strength: Moderately strong and stiff.
• Stability: Good dimensional stability once seasoned

Durability & Workability

• Durability: Moderately durable; resistant to termites and fungi but not fully rot-proof.
• Workability:
• Machines well, but interlocked grain may cause tear-out during planing.
• Glues, nails, and finishes reasonably well.
• Slight blunting effect on tools due to silica content.

While not as well-known as other tropical hardwoods, Movingui offers an excellent combination of beauty, strength, and versatility. Its rich color and ribbon figure make it a sought-after material for high-end interiors and decorative work.