that of mahogany, and is often varnished for a decorative appearance. When used for the backs and sides of high-end acoustic guitars, okoumé (or as it is known in the trade, akoumé) exhibits many of the tonal properties of maple. Guitars made with okoumé are noticeably lighter in weight than those made with mahogany or rosewood. References External links Profiles of Africa Tree Species: Aucoumea klaineana Aucoumea klaineana Infographics Burseraceae Trees of Africa Vulnerable plants Flora of Gabon Flora of the Republic of the Congo Flora of Equatorial Guinea