Coromandel Ebony
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Coromandel Ebony (Diospyros celebica), also known as Makassar Ebony, is a member of the genus Diospyros and one of the plants commonly known as ebony.
Coromandel ebony wood is variegated, streaky brown and black, nearly always wide striped. It is considered a highly valuable wood for turnery, fine cabinet work and joinery, and is much sought for posts (tokobashira) in traditional Japanese houses. That is why Japan used to be the main importer for this wood.
The tree grows up to 20 meters hight under favourable circumstances, although such trees are rarely seen nowadays. Since Coromandel ebony has been a woodworkers favourite for centuries, most of it has been felled and used in high quality furniture. The wood is often defective, showing cracks, and in particular heart shakes and splits. It is not easy to dry and is best given ample time for this. Converting logs into boards as soon as possible is recommended. The natural area of distribution are some Indonesian islands, the island Celebes, now called Sulawesi and its main exporting seaport Makassar gave name to this famous species.
As this exceptionally beautiful species of the Ebonies has been much appreciated by woodworkers all over the world through the past 2 centuries it has now become a very scarce and expensive timber. The small available amounts on the market have led to very high prices, Makassar ebony nowadays belongs to the highest priced timbers on the world, the region of growth is quite restricted.
