Black Palm
Borassus flabellifer • Bamboo (monocot) / Palm
Grain Pattern
Unique monocot structure with embedded dark vascular bundles (streaks) in a lighter parenchymatous ground tissue; straight but very splintery.
Color Description
Light tan to medium brown base with black to dark brown linear fiber streaks. The 'heartwood' area is darker and denser toward the outer trunk. Luster is low to medium.
Hardness Rating
2,020 lbf (Very Hard to Extremely Hard depending on density concentration)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; resistant to rot and termites, though the softer inner core of the tree is less durable.
Common Uses
Knife handles, pens, walking sticks, inlay work, flooring, and small specialty turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Tropical regions of Southeast Asia and Africa.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $25.00 per board foot; often sold as turning blanks rather than lumber.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut; shows fresh surfaces with minimal oxidation or patina, likely harvested within the last 5-10 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable but availability varies by region.
Workability
Difficult. Tends to splinter and soften between the hard fibers. Requires very sharp tools and high-speed machining to avoid tearout. Does not glue as easily as standard hardwoods.
Notable Features
Not a true wood but a monocot; lacks growth rings. Highly abrasive due to silica content (dulls tools quickly). Notable for its 'leopard print' end grain.
Finish Recommendations
Film-forming finishes like CA glue (for small items), lacquer, or polyurethane are best to seal the splintery fibers and enhance the black streaks.
Identification Confidence
High; the end-grain 'polka dot' vascular bundles and the distinctive black-and-tan linear streaking are exclusive to Palm species.