Black Palm — Borassus flabellifer

Black Palm

Borassus flabellifer · Bamboo

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Type
Bamboo
Origin
Tropical Asia and parts of Africa.
Hardness
2,020 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability
Durable; resistant to decay and moderate resistance to insect attack.

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Grain Pattern

Straight, parallel black vascular bundles embedded in a lighter fibrous background with no growth rings.

Color & Appearance

Golden tan to yellowish-brown background contrasted sharply with dense, dark black or dark brown speckles and dashes.

Hardness (Janka)

2,020 lbf (Very Hard)

Durability & Decay Resistance

Durable; resistant to decay and moderate resistance to insect attack.

Value & Age

Estimated Market ValueNot an official valuation

10 to 15 dollars per board foot.

AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.

Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 20 to 50 years based on architectural milling and light surface oxidation.

Common Uses

Flooring, fine furniture, turning, knife handles, and specialty decorative items.

Geographic Origin

Tropical Asia and parts of Africa.

Workability

Difficult due to extreme density variation; prone to splintering and requires carbide-tipped tools.

Finish Recommendations

Polyurethane or lacquer works best after thorough sanding and pore sealing.

Notable Features

Monocot structure lacking traditional growth rings, presenting a striking speckled visual texture.

Learn more about Black Palm in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified October 23, 2026