Black Palm
Borassus flabellifer • Monocot (Exotic)
Grain Pattern
Highly irregular and fibrous; lacks growth rings. Characterized by dark, needle-like vascular bundles embedded in a lighter-colored parenchyma (soft tissue).
Color Description
Reddish-brown background (parenchyma) with dark chocolate-brown to black linear streaks (vascular bundles). It has a medium luster and darkens significantly with age.
Hardness Rating
2,020 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable to Durable; highly resistant to decay and insects, though the lighter parenchyma is more susceptible to rot than the dark fibers.
Common Uses
Turning (pens, bowls), knife handles, walking sticks, inlay work, flooring, and small decorative luxury items.
Geographic Origin
Native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia and Africa.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $25.00 to $40.00 per board foot, often sold as blanks or turning squares.
Wood Age Estimate
Cannot be determined by rings; however, the oxidation level suggests a seasoned board, likely processed within the last 5-10 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered a sustainable byproduct of agricultural palm cultivation.
Workability
Challenging to work; the hard vascular bundles splinter easily while the soft tissue can crumble. Requires very sharp tools and high speeds when turning. Gluing and finishing are generally good.
Notable Features
It is not a true wood but a monocot. It has no growth rings. Splinters are very sharp and brittle, making it a hazard for skin irritation.
Finish Recommendations
High-gloss finishes like CA glue (cyanoacrylate) for small items, or sanding to a high grit and applying a film finish like polyurethane to lock in the fibers.
Identification Confidence
High (100%); the distinct 'leopard print' or 'quill' appearance of the vascular bundles is unique to the Palm (Borassus) genus.