Blackwood African (Botanical: Dalbergia
melanoxylon)
Blackwood Characteristics
Very nice to work and polish, but
also very hard. Takes an exceptional polish and is the Turning Wood of Kings
for nothing holds fine detail as well as African Blackwood. A Heavy and Hard wood with a moderate
workability.
Color Range
Heartwood is dark purple-black/brown
with dark black streaks and the sapwood is creamy white.
Other Names
African blackwood, African ebony,
African grenadilo, Banbanus, Ebene, Grenadilla, Grenadille d'Afrique, Mpingo,
Mufunjo, Mugembe, Mukelete, Pau preto, Poyi
Typical Use:
Musical instruments turning, inlay,
and accents.
Tree Characteristics:
The small tree develops more than a
single stem, and typically grows to a height of 15 to 20 feet. The bole is
often short, fluted, and rarely cylindrical, with diameters that are seldom
more than 12.
Blackwood African grows:
Africa