Black Limba
Terminalia superba • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked with significant streaks and speckling; medium to coarse texture; features distinctive dark streaks against a lighter background.
Color Description
Light yellowish-brown heartwood with characteristic dark gray to black streaks and veins. Sapwood is yellowish-white and poorly defined. Luster is naturally high.
Hardness Rating
670 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to termite and beetle attack, and low resistance to decay/rot.
Common Uses
Musical instruments (electric guitar bodies), fine furniture, veneer, cabinetry, and small turned objects like pens.
Geographic Origin
Tropical Western Africa
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $25.00 per board foot for figured/black heart material.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (1-5 years post-processing); the finish and hardware suggest a contemporary custom turned item.
Sustainability Status
Near Threatened (IUCN Red List); not currently CITES listed but population is declining.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive spicy scent when being worked; known for superb resonance in acoustic applications; the dark streaks are caused by fungal interactions in the living tree.
Finish Recommendations
CYA (Cyanoacrylate) glue finish is standard for pens to provide a durable high-gloss shine; alternatively, a high-build lacquer or polyurethane.
Identification Confidence
High; the specific 'peppered' black streaking on a straw-colored background is a diagnostic characteristic of the 'Black' variant of Limba.