Wenge is a member of the great tree producing family, Leguminosae and comes from Zaire and other small countries of West Africa. There are about 40 species of Millettia, many of them tropical vines and shrubs. The tree variety can attain heights of 90 feet with a bole as large as 3-4 feet in diameter. The heartwood is dark brown, almost black. On the quartersawn surface, fine pencil-thin, light tan lines interspersed with blackish brown stripes make the surface appear as if it has been stroked by the fine claws of some wild jungle animal. On the tangential surface, the light lines show up as undulating streaks, like waves on the water. Orientation of the grain is an important consideration to show the wood at its best. Wenge is straight grained, and very coarse textured