Ebony

Diospyros malabarica, Diospyros mollis

Ebony trees are known for their attractive colours and are among the heaviest woods in the world. Due to these properties, they are highly sought after for the production of fine artworks and musical instruments. Many ebony species are therefore now severely threatened by decades of overexploitation.

Ebony trees are mainly found in the tropics. The greatest diversity of species is found in South Asia. These are mostly trees with hard and very heavy wood. The colours of the heartwood range from black through dark brown and red to green. White and multicoloured striped wood also occurs. Ebony trees grow to a height of around 20 metres with a trunk diameter of around 60 centimetres. With a weight of up to 1.4 tonnes per cubic metre (oak: 0.67 tonnes per cubic metre), ebony is one of the heaviest woods in existence.

Ebony is used to make knife handles, flutes, piano keys and chess pieces. Locally, it is also used for house-building. Unfortunately, many species of ebony have been subject to overexploitation. The ebony trees of Java and the Philippines have been almost wiped out. In Madagascar, ebony is still being exploited today.

Distribution

tropical forests, including those in Madagascar

Number of related species

500 species

Use

used to make knife handles, flutes, piano keys and chess pieces; locally also used for house-building

Distribution

tropical forests, including those in Madagascar

Number of related species

500 species

Use

used to make knife handles, flutes, piano keys and chess pieces; locally also used for house-building

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