Pronunciation: [ˈə͡ʊbət͡ʃ] (IPA) 
Obeche is a type of West African hardwood tree that is commonly used for making furniture and other wooden products. The word "obeche" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /əʊˈbɛʃi/, which indicates that the stress falls on the second syllable and the "o" sound is pronounced as a diphthong with a long "o" followed by a schwa. The "b" and "ch" sounds are pronounced separately, but quickly run together to create a single sound.
Obeche is a noun that refers to a tropical timber tree native to West Africa, scientifically known as Triplochiton scleroxylon and commonly called "limba" or "abachi." This large deciduous tree belongs to the family of Malvaceae and can grow up to 60 meters (197 feet) tall. It features a straight trunk and a wide crown with spreading branches.
The wood obtained from the obeche tree is also referred to as "obeche." It is highly valued for its versatility and is particularly sought after in the timber industry. Obeche wood is characterized by its light yellowish-brown color, which may darken over time, and its uniform texture. The timber has a fine grain with a smooth surface, making it suitable for various applications.
Due to its favorable properties, obeche wood is widely used in carpentry, cabinetry, and furniture-making. Its lightweight nature, easy workability, and excellent gluing and finishing capabilities make it a popular choice for both interior and exterior applications. Obeche wood is often used for crafting doors, window frames, moldings, veneers, and plywood. Additionally, it finds applications in boat building, musical instrument production, and as a substitute for other more expensive tropical hardwoods.
Overall, obeche refers to both the tropical timber tree and the wood it produces, which are highly regarded for their aesthetic appeal, workability, and versatility in various industries.
The word obeche comes from the Efik language, which is spoken by the Efik people of southeastern Nigeria. In their language, the tree is known as uboch or nyong and the word was anglicized to obeche.
