In the world of African timber trade, confusion is common. With hundreds of species and thousands of local names, it is easy for buyers to get mixed up. Two of the most frequently confused timbers are Bubinga and Bilinga.
While their names sound similar, they are worlds apart in terms of appearance, price, and application.
At YYW Timber, we receive inquiries daily asking for “Bulinga” or asking if Opepe is the same as Rosewood. This guide will clear up the confusion once and for all, helping you choose the right wood for your project.
The “Bulinga” Confusion: Does it Exist?
Let’s address the elephant in the room first. There is no such tree as “Bulinga”.
If you are searching for “Bulinga wood,” you have likely misheard or misspelled one of two commercial names:
- Bubinga: The reddish, decorative luxury wood.
- Bilinga: The yellow, structural heavy-duty wood.
Because “Bilinga” sounds very similar to “Bubinga,” many traders accidentally merge them into “Bulinga.” Identifying which one you actually need is critical, as ordering the wrong one could be a costly mistake for your production line.
Quick Comparison: The Cheat Sheet
Don’t have time to read? Here is the rapid breakdown of the differences.
| Feature | Bubinga (The Beauty) | Bilinga (The Beast) |
| Commercial Names | African Rosewood, Kevazingo | Opepe, Badi, Kusia |
| Scientific Name | Guibourtia demeusei | Nauclea diderrichii |
| Primary Color | Pinkish-Red to Violet | Golden-Yellow to Orange |
| Grain / Figure | Straight or Figured (Waterfall/Pommele) | Interlocked (Ribbon) |
| Janka Hardness | ~2,410 lbf (Hard) | ~1,630 lbf (Hard) |
| Durability | Durable | Very Durable (Marine Grade) |
| Price Point | $$$ High (Luxury) | $$ Medium (Industrial) |
| CITES Status | Appendix II (Permit Required) | Not Listed (No Permit Needed) |
Bubinga (African Rosewood)
“The Decorative Masterpiece”
Bubinga is the celebrity of African hardwoods. It is prized primarily for its aesthetic value.
- Appearance: The heartwood is a rich reddish-brown with purple streaks. High-grade logs often feature exotic figures like waterfall, pommele, or quilt patterns.
- Best Uses: High-end furniture, conference tables (live edge slabs), veneers, musical instruments (guitars/drums), and luxury car interiors.
- Buying Tip: If you need a wood that “looks expensive” and finishes to a glass-like polish, choose Bubinga.
- Important Note: Bubinga is CITES listed. As a responsible exporter, YYW Timber handles all necessary CITES permits for our clients to ensure legal entry into your country.
Bilinga (Opepe)
“The Structural Warrior”
Bilinga (widely known as Opepe in the UK or Badi in France) is the workhorse of the industry. It is not bought for its beauty, but for its muscle.
- Appearance: Freshly cut, it is a vibrant, unmistakable yellow or orange. Over time, UV exposure turns it into a reddish-brown, which causes further confusion with Bubinga. However, Bilinga lacks the purple streaks and fine texture of Bubinga.
- Best Uses: Marine piling, heavy-duty outdoor decking, railway sleepers, harbor fenders, and bridges.
- Buying Tip: If you need a wood that can survive outdoors, underwater, or in ground contact for decades without rotting, choose Bilinga. It is a cost-effective alternative to Azobe (Ekki).
View our Bilinga (Opepe) Timber
How to Tell Them Apart
If you have a sample in hand but aren’t sure what it is, check these three signs:
- The Color Test: Scratch the surface. Is the fresh wood underneath bright yellow/orange? It is Bilinga. Is it pink/red? It is Bubinga.
- The Weight Test: While both are heavy, Bubinga is significantly denser and heavier than Bilinga.
- The Pore Structure: Bubinga has finer pores and a smoother texture. Bilinga has a coarser texture and often shows interlocked grain that can feel slightly rougher.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
- Choose Bubinga if: You are manufacturing luxury furniture, veneers, or items where visual impact is the #1 priority. You are prepared to pay a premium for beauty and handle CITES paperwork.
- Choose Bilinga if: You are a contractor or sawmill looking for durable exterior timber, marine wood, or flooring that withstands heavy traffic. You want a “set it and forget it” outdoor wood at a competitive price.
At YYW Timber, we are direct exporters of both species from our concessions in Gabon and Cameroon. Whether you need the elegance of Bubinga or the strength of Bilinga, we supply certified, graded logs and timber worldwide.
Still not sure? Contact our export team with your project details, and we will recommend the perfect species.
