Okoume, scientifically known as Aucoumea klaineana, is a tree native to the tropical West Coast of Africa, particularly prevalent in Gabon and surrounding countries. It is primarily valued for its timber, which is widely used in veneer production for plywood, boat building, musical instruments, and light construction. Okoume wood is relatively light in weight and color, featuring a pale pink to reddish-brown hue. It has a straight to slightly interlocked grain with a moderately coarse texture.
The scent profile of okoume wood is typically mild and non-distinct, lacking the resinous or aromatic qualities found in many other wood types such as cedar or pine. During processing, especially when freshly cut, okoume may emit a slight woody or earthy smell, but this is generally subtle and does not linger. This neutral odor makes okoume a preferred choice in applications where the natural scent of wood might be considered undesirable or distracting.