Aucoumea Pierre is a monotypic genus of flowering trees in the family Burseraceae (order Sapindales), containing a single species: Aucoumea klaineana, commonly known as gaboon, okoumé, or angouma. The genus is native to equatorial west Africa, with its range centered on Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, and Río Muni.
Aucoumea klaineana is a large hardwood tree, reaching 30–40 m (100–130 ft) in height, with a trunk typically 1.0–2.5 m in diameter above often prominent basal buttresses. Trees tend to grow in small stands with intertwining root systems. In Gabon, it is the dominant commercial timber species.
The wood is prized for its flexibility, light weight, and attractive grain — often compared to mahogany — making it the premier choice for marine-grade plywood (certified to British Standard 1088), aircraft construction, decorative veneers, furniture, and high-end acoustic instruments. It also produces high chatoyance, with an average value above 21 PZC.
Etymology
The genus name Aucoumea derives from the local Gabonese name for the tree (rendered variously as "angouma" or "okoumé"). The authorship is attributed to Pierre (J.B. Louis Pierre, 19th-century French botanist).
Distribution
Aucoumea is native to equatorial west Africa, primarily Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, and Río Muni (the mainland region of Equatorial Guinea). In Gabon, Aucoumea klaineana is the principal commercial timber species and typically grows in small mixed-species stands in lowland tropical forest.
Cultural Uses
The timber of Aucoumea klaineana (gaboon or okoumé) has wide commercial application: it is extensively used for marine-grade plywood in boatbuilding, in the French light-aircraft industry (notably Avions Robin and the Jodel range), as decorative veneer in panelling and furniture, as solid wood in luxury packaging (cigar boxes, audio equipment), and as tonewoods for the backs and sides of high-end acoustic guitars. Its flexibility, light weight, and attractive chatoyant grain underpin all of these uses.
