A large West African timber tree (genus Triplochiton) that produces pale yellow wood used in furniture and construction.
From the West African (possibly Yoruba or Cameroon Bantu) name for the tree, brought into English through colonial and trade contacts with timber industries.
The ayous tree became commercially famous in the 1950s as a 'wonder wood' for making quality plywood and light furniture—it's still a major export from West Africa, but overharvesting now threatens its sustainable supply.
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