Pericopsis is a small genus of four species of trees and shrubs in the legume family Fabaceae, order Fabales. The genus has a disjunct tropical distribution: three species — Pericopsis angolensis, Pericopsis elata, and Pericopsis laxiflora — are native to sub-Saharan Africa, while Pericopsis mooniana (Nandu wood) occurs in Sri Lanka, Malesia, New Guinea, and the Caroline Islands.
African species typically inhabit seasonally dry woodland and wooded grassland, whereas the Asian P. mooniana is found in tropical lowland forest, including riverine and mangrove-edge forest. All four species produce dense, durable hardwood timber prized for its similarity to teak; the wood is used in cabinet-making and furniture as a teak substitute. Pericopsis elata, known as African teak or Afrormosia, is the best-known member and has been heavily exploited for international timber trade.
Distribution
Pericopsis has a disjunct tropical distribution: three species (P. angolensis, P. elata, P. laxiflora) are native to sub-Saharan Africa, inhabiting seasonally dry woodland and wooded grassland, while P. mooniana is native to Sri Lanka, Malesia, New Guinea, and the Caroline Islands, occurring in tropical lowland and riverine forests.
Conservation
Pericopsis elata (African teak / Afrormosia) has been heavily harvested for international timber trade and is considered threatened in parts of its range as a result of over-exploitation. The genus's timber value makes sustainable management a significant conservation concern for the African species.
Cultural Uses
Trees of the genus Pericopsis produce high-quality hardwood timber used as a substitute for teak in cabinet work and furniture making. Pericopsis elata (African teak) is particularly valued in the international timber trade, and Pericopsis mooniana (Nandu wood) is similarly used in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.
