Black Palm (or Palmyra Palm)
Borassus flabellifer (or Cocos nucifera) · Bamboo
- Type
- Bamboo
- Origin
- Tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands.
- Hardness
- 2020 lbf (Very Hard)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable to Durable; highly susceptible to insect attack in the softer sapwood areas, but the dense dark fibers offer good resistance.
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Grain Pattern
Extremely distinct dotted/fibrous grain pattern characterized by dark, fibrous vascular bundles scattered throughout a lighter golden-brown background, creating a speckled appearance.
Color & Appearance
Vibrant golden-brown to orange-brown background contrasted heavily with dark blackish-brown longitudinal vascular fibers. Exhibits a moderate natural luster and deepens to a richer amber hue under clear finishes.
Hardness (Janka)
2020 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable to Durable; highly susceptible to insect attack in the softer sapwood areas, but the dense dark fibers offer good resistance.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10.00 to $15.00 per board foot (Exotic specialty lumber)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern cut lumber recently surfaced and finished with a gloss clear coat (likely epoxy or polyurethane).
- Sustainability Status
- Not CITES listed, IUCN Least Concern; widely harvested from managed palm plantations.
Common Uses
Flooring, fine furniture, turning, knife handles, cue sticks, decorative accents, and specialty items.
Geographic Origin
Tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands.
Workability
Very difficult to work due to the extreme density variation between the soft background parenchyma tissue and the ultra-hard vascular bundles. Tends to splinter easily and dulls cutting edges rapidly.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, conversion varnish, or epoxy resin finishes work exceptionally well to highlight the striking contrast and protect the fibrous surface.
Notable Features
Monocot wood structure lacking true growth rings, rays, or pores. The unique polka-dot or striped end-grain and face-grain pattern is unmistakable.
