Obeche grows in West Africa and reaches more than 150 feet in height and produces a trunk some 5 feet in diameter. It is a lightweight, relatively strong wood with a fine even texture, though the grain can be interlocking. Obeche is creamy white to pale yellow in color with little distinction between the sapwood and the heartwood, is the second lightest commercial hardwood (balsa is first), and is similar to alder and maple.

Some of its uses are in model making, three dimensional carving, furniture, and millwork. An easy wood to work with hand and machine tools, Obeche requires sharp cutting edges as it is rather soft, glues well, and takes stain and polish well.