Definition

Noun 1. A large tree (Triplochiton scleroxylon) native to West Africa, characterized by large, palmately lobed leaves, clusters of small white flowers, and seeds with a single wing. It yields a lightweight, pale-colored timber. 2. The soft, pale wood from this tree, valued for its workability and commonly used in plywood, veneer, and light construction.

Usage Examples

• As the tree species:
  • The obeche is an important timber species in its native West African forests.
  • Botanists study the growth patterns of the obeche.
• As the timber:
  • The cabinet was made from obeche veneer.
  • This lightweight panel is constructed from obeche.

Advanced Usage

• Commercial Context: In the timber trade, "obeche" specifically refers to the wood's commercial grade and properties, such as its low density and ease of staining.
  • The importer specializes in high-quality African obeche for the furniture industry.

Variants and Related Words

• Samba, Wawa, Ayous: These are alternative regional or commercial names for the wood of the obeche tree.
• Triplochiton scleroxylon: The formal botanical name for the obeche tree.

Synonyms

• For the wood: Lightweight timber, pale hardwood, utility wood.
• For the tree: West African hardwood tree.

Notes on Meaning

The word "obeche" has two distinct but directly related meanings. The primary meaning is the biological entity—the living tree. The secondary, and very common, meaning is the commercial product derived from that tree—its wood. The context usually makes it clear whether one is referring to the forest tree or the timber material.

Noun

1. large west African tree having large palmately lobed leaves and axillary cymose panicles of small white flowers and one-winged seeds; yields soft white to pale yellow wood
2. the wood of an African obeche tree; used especially for veneering