Black Palm
Borassus flabellifer • Exotic/Monocot
Grain Pattern
Unique, non-traditional grain; features very high density dark vascular bundles embedded in a lighter, softer parenchymatous ground tissue, creating a splintered or quill-like appearance.
Color Description
Heartwood consists of light tan to medium brown base with black or dark brown string-like streaks; distinct contrast between the dark fibers and light background; color deepens slightly with age.
Hardness Rating
2,020 lbf (Very Hard/Extremely Hard for the fibers)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable to Durable; fibers are resistant to decay, but the softer parenchyma is susceptible to moisture and insect attack if not sealed.
Common Uses
Turning (pens, bowls, tool handles), inlay, flooring, fine specialty furniture, and knife scales.
Geographic Origin
Tropical regions of Southeast Asia and Africa.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 - $40.00 per board foot; pen blanks typically retail for $3.00 - $7.00 each.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processing; the sample appears to be a contemporary lathe-turned product within the last 5-10 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable as it is often harvested from agricultural plantations.
Workability
Difficult; very prone to splintering and tearout due to the disparity in hardness between the vascular bundles and surrounding tissue. Requires very sharp tools and high speeds.
Notable Features
It is not a true wood but a monocot (grass/palm); it has no growth rings; the end grain shows a distinct 'polka-dot' pattern of dark spots; fibers are extremely sharp.
Finish Recommendations
CA glue (Cyanoacrylate) is the standard for pens to stabilize the soft tissue and prevent tearout; sanding to high grits followed by buffing provides a high luster.
Identification Confidence
High; the quill-like black streaks against a tan background are a classic diagnostic feature of Black Palm, especially in small-diameter turned objects like pens.