Black Palm
Borassus flabellifer · Bamboo
- Type
- Bamboo
- Origin
- Tropical Asia and Africa
- Hardness
- 2,020 lbf (Very Hard)
- Durability
- Durable
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a highly distinctive speckled or dotted figure caused by darker vascular bundles embedded in a lighter fibrous matrix
Color & Appearance
Dark brown to nearly black vascular bundles distributed throughout a lighter tan or golden-brown fibrous background, with low natural luster and minimal color change over time
Hardness (Janka)
2,020 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10.00 to $18.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently processed lumber, estimated 1 to 5 years old
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, generally considered sustainable as it is harvested from abundant palm species
Common Uses
Turned objects, flooring, pool cues, walking sticks, fine cabinetry, and small specialty woodworking items
Geographic Origin
Tropical Asia and Africa
Workability
Extremely difficult to work with due to the extreme variation in density between the soft parenchyma tissue and the very hard vascular bundles, leading to high tool dulling and splintering risks
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, lacquer, or penetrating oils; requires careful sanding and sealing due to the porous and splinter-prone nature of the softer background tissues
Notable Features
Unique anatomical structure lacking true growth rings, extreme density differences across the cross-section, and high silica content that quickly blunts cutting edges
