My dad made a 60# Sudbury replica out of mulberry about 15-20 years ago. Even after years of being shot, it has ZERO set, and shoots very fast.
As far as board vs. stave, I think the original bowmaker didn't chase a single growth ring on the back (this is according to my dad, who saw the original in the peabody museum up close), so there's probably a good chance a good quality board would still work, depending on the grain and execution.