| Makassar Ebony | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Ebenaceae |
| Genus: | Diospyros |
| Species: | D. celebica |
| Binomial name | |
| Diospyros celebica Bakh.[1] |
|
Makassar Ebony (Diospyros celebica), is a species of flowering tree in the family Ebenaceae that is endemic to the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia. Its common name is derived from the main seaport on the island, Makassar.
Makassar 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 height under favourable circumstances, although such trees are rarely seen nowadays. Since Makassar 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.
As this exceptionally beautiful species ebony has been much appreciated by woodworkers all over the world through the past two 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.