Avodire is a strong but relatively lightweight tropical wood imported from the Ivory Coast, the Gold Coast and Liberia in West Africa. Furniture, fine joinery, decorative veneers, cabinet work and paneling are among its many uses.

Avodire was named for the 18th century Italian botanist Anton Turra. Trade names include African stainwood, African furniture wood and African white mahogany.

Avodire is a very pretty wood with a golden yellow cast and a clear grain. When polished it has a lustrous surface, also reminiscent of mahogany. Avodire's light-colored heartwood will darken to a golden color when cut. There is not much difference in color between sapwood and heartwood. Avodire has neither odor nor taste.

It is a quick drying wood that requires care during seasoning to prevent warping, cupping and twisting or aggravation of existing end checks. The grain is often straight but can also be interlocked , wavy or have a robe grain. Figured avodire is especially popular for quarter cut decorative veneers used in architectural applications, high grade cabinetry, flush doors and marquetry, which is one of its major uses. Avodire is often chosen for store fixtures and office interiors. Plain, straight-grained avodire is popular for plywood and high class joinery.

Avodire works well with both hand and machine tools. However, experts caution that wood with an interlocked grain, which avodire sometimes has, can present problems. It has medium crushing and bending strength, low shock resistance and low stiffness. Not recommended for steam bending. Low durability. Resistant to preservative treatments and susceptible to termites. Although it has a permeable sapwood that can be treated with preservatives.