Medium-High. The distinct longitudinal black vascular bundles embedded in a lighter fibrous matrix are characteristic of palm woods. confidence

Black Palm (or Alternative Palm species)

Borassus flabellifer (or Cocos nucifera) · Bamboo / Monocot

Type: Bamboo / Monocot
Origin: Tropical regions worldwide, particularly Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.
Hardness: 2,020 lbf - Very Hard
Durability: Moderately Durable to Durable; vulnerable to dry-wood borers and termites in the softer interstitial tissue unless treated.

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Grain Pattern

Straight grain with distinctive dark vascular bundles running longitudinally through a lighter fibrous background, creating a characteristic speckled or striated face-grain pattern.

Color & Appearance

Pale tan, yellowish, or light brown background contrasting sharply with dark brown to nearly black vascular bundles. Luster is generally low to moderate with no distinct difference between heartwood and sapwood.

Hardness (Janka)

2,020 lbf - Very Hard

Durability & Decay Resistance

Moderately Durable to Durable; vulnerable to dry-wood borers and termites in the softer interstitial tissue unless treated.

Value & Sustainability

Estimated Market Value: $8.00 to $15.00 per board foot, highly dependent on grade and processing.
Wood Age Estimate: Sample appears to be modern to moderately aged millwork, roughly 10 to 30 years old.
Sustainability Status: Not listed on CITES appendices or IUCN red list. Generally considered sustainable as it is harvested from cultivated or naturally abundant palms.

Common Uses

Flooring, fine furniture, turning, small specialty items, cue sticks, walking sticks, knife handles, and architectural millwork.

Geographic Origin

Tropical regions worldwide, particularly Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.

Workability

Very challenging to work due to the extreme density variation between the soft background tissue and the extremely hard vascular bundles. Prone to splintering and tears easily. Dulls cutting edges quickly.

Finish Recommendations

Takes a fine polish due to silica content in vascular bundles. Film-forming finishes like polyurethane or lacquer work well, as do penetrating oils if carefully applied.