Panga Panga Wood (Millettia stuhlmannii) Knife Scales

Common Name(s): Panga Panga

Scientific Name: Millettia stuhlmannii

Distribution: Eastern Africa
Color/Appearance: Heartwood is a very dark brown with black streaks. Upon application of a wood finish (particularly an oil-finish) the wood can become nearly black.

Grain/Texture: Has a straight grain and a coarse texture. Panga Panga also has very large pores that can present a challenge to fill if a perfectly smooth/leveled finish is desired.
Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Common Uses: Panga Panga and Wenge can both be dark enough to be used as substitutes for ebony.

Comments: Panga Panga is very similar in working properties and appearance to Wenge, and it's not uncommon for the two species to be used and mixed interchangeably.