Sapele is a large African tree ranging from Sierra Leone to Angola and eastward through the Congo to Uganda. Sapele is a reddish-brown wood that in many ways is very similar to Mahogany and is used quite often as a substitute for Mahogany. A remarkable feature of sapele is that the grain is interlocked and changes direction in frequent, irregular intervals. The fine texture and interlocked grain produces a narrow and uniform stripe pattern. Sapele has a cedar-like scent when cut. Before WWI the principal demand for sapele wood came from Germany where it was used for decorative cabinet work. Interestingly enough, sapele was found in the propeller-blades of German Zeppelins. Sapele is also one of Europe's most desired woods in manufacturing doors, windows and hardwood flooring. It has a wide variety of applications and is very popular as a decorative surface veneer for high-grade furniture such as book cases and cabinets.