Black Palm
Borassus flabellifer · Exotic/Monocot
- Type
- Exotic/Monocot
- Origin
- Tropical regions of Southeast Asia and Africa.
- Hardness
- 2,020 lbf (Very Hard/Extremely Hard for the fibers)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable to Durable; fibers are resistant to decay, but the softer parenchyma is susceptible to moisture and insect attack if not sealed.
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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 & Appearance
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 (Janka)
2,020 lbf (Very Hard/Extremely Hard for the fibers)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable to Durable; fibers are resistant to decay, but the softer parenchyma is susceptible to moisture and insect attack if not sealed.
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.
Common Uses
Turning (pens, bowls, tool handles), inlay, flooring, fine specialty furniture, and knife scales.
Geographic Origin
Tropical regions of Southeast Asia and Africa.
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.
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.
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.
