The timber is known by the common names African whitewood, abachi, obeche (in Nigeria), wawa (in Ghana), ayous (in Cameroon) and sambawawa (in Ivory Coast).

[3] The timber yielded is typically pale yellow and is moderately soft and light for a hardwood.

[4] The timber is used in the manufacture of veneer, furniture, picture frames and mouldings.

Gibson and Fender Japan have used the wood to produce limited edition guitars.

[7] The wood is exploited in its natural habitat, a harvest that is unsustainable in some areas.