Black Palm
Borassus flabellifer • Exotic/Tropical (Monocot)
Grain Pattern
No traditional growth rings; features a very distinct, speckled appearance with long, dark fibrous streaks (vascular bundles) set against a lighter tan/brown parenchymatous background. Grain is very straight but coarse.
Color Description
Medium to dark brown background with striking, near-black linear streaks. The darker the fibers and the denser they are, the harder and heavier the wood. It does not significantly change color with age, though the contrast may mellow slightly.
Hardness Rating
2,020 lbf (Very Hard to Extremely Hard depending on fiber density)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding rot; however, it is rarely used in exterior applications due to splintering risks. Good resistance to insect attack.
Common Uses
Knife handles, pen blanks, fine inlay, walking sticks, flooring, and small turned decorative objects.
Geographic Origin
Native to Tropical Asia and Africa; widely distributed across Southeast Asia.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$20.00 - $35.00 per board foot (standardly sold as small turning blanks)
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be modern, likely kiln-dried and processed within the last 5-10 years, showing no significant oxidation or historical patina.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Generally sustainable as it is a palm rather than a slow-growing hardwood tree.
Workability
Difficult to work. The hard vascular bundles tend to splinter or "tear out" from the softer surrounding tissue. Requires very sharp tools. Sanding is the best way to achieve a smooth surface; it glues and finishes well once smoothed.
Notable Features
It is technically not wood but a monocot. It has no scent. The fibers are extremely sharp and can cause skin irritation or slivers like glass needles if handled roughly while unfinished.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or cyanoacrylate (CA) glue finishes are popular to stabilize the surface. It takes high-gloss finishes very well, which enhances the chatoyancy of the dark fibers.
Identification Confidence
High. The characteristic 'leopard print' end-grain (not shown but implied by face grain) and long, quill-like black vascular bundles are unique to the Palm (Borassus) genus.