Black Palm (or Palmyra Palm)
Borassus flabellifer (or Cocos nucifera) · Bamboo
- Type
- Bamboo
- Origin
- Tropical regions of Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
- Hardness
- 2020 lbf (Very Hard)
- Durability
- Durable to Very Durable, with good natural resistance to insects and fungal decay due to high silica and density in the outer fibers.
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Grain Pattern
Extremely distinct dotted end-grain pattern showing scattered dark vascular bundles embedded in a lighter fibrous background, running straight longitudinally with no true annual growth rings.
Color & Appearance
Sharp contrast with dark ebony-brown to black vascular fibers distributed densely near the outer edge and fading into a lighter golden-tan or beige fibrous background toward the center.
Hardness (Janka)
2020 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Very Durable, with good natural resistance to insects and fungal decay due to high silica and density in the outer fibers.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 10.00 to 20.00 USD per board foot for specialty lumber blanks.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated at 15 to 25 years based on the diameter of the cross-section and the typical maturation rate of palm stems.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or IUCN red lists; harvested from abundant cultivated or wild tropical palm populations.
Common Uses
Turned objects, small decorative items, cue sticks, flooring, handles, and specialty fine furniture accents.
Geographic Origin
Tropical regions of Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
Workability
Difficult due to extreme variation in density between the soft background tissue and the extremely hard, silica-rich dark vascular bundles, which rapidly dull cutting edges.
Finish Recommendations
Takes a fine, natural polish well. Finishes like oil, shellac, or polyurethane work effectively, though grain filling may be required for a perfectly smooth surface.
Notable Features
Not a true wood (monocot), featuring scattered vascular bundles instead of annual growth rings, extremely high silica content, and a striking speckled appearance on cross-sections.
