Macassar ebony
  • Biological Classification
  • Kingdom
    Plantae
  • Phylum
    Angiosperms
  • Class
    Eudicots
  • Order
    Ericales
  • Family
    Ebenaceae
  • Genus
    Diospyros
  • Species
    celebica
  • Subspecies
  • Material Information
  • Characteristics
    Macassar Ebony is a very dense and hard wood, with a Janka hardness rating of 3,220 lbf. It has a fine, even texture with a natural luster that can range from medium to high. The heartwood of the tree is dark brown or black with contrasting lighter streaks or bands, which gives the wood its characteristic appearance. The wood has excellent durability and resistance to decay, making it suitable for outdoor applications.
  • Common Uses
    Macassar Ebony is prized for its beauty, density, and durability, and it is used in high-end furniture, cabinetry, musical instruments, and decorative items. It is also used for knife handles, gun grips, and other small turned objects. In addition, the wood has a long history of use in traditional medicine for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties.
  • Other Names
    Makassar Ebony, Black Ebony, Coromandel Ebony, East Indian Ebony
  • Tree Information
  • Description
    Macassar Ebony is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20-25 meters in height, with a trunk diameter of 60-90 centimeters. The tree has a straight trunk with a broad, spreading crown, and it can have buttresses at the base. The bark of the tree is dark gray or black, with vertical fissures. The leaves are glossy, dark green, and elliptical in shape, and the flowers are small and inconspicuous.
  • Range
    Macassar Ebony is native to Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia and the Philippines. It is also found in some parts of Malaysia and Papua New Guinea.
  • Habitat
    Macassar Ebony grows in tropical rainforests, particularly in lowland areas near rivers and streams. It prefers well-drained soils, but it can also grow in swampy areas. The tree is intolerant of shade and requires full sunlight to grow.
  • Availability
    Macassar Ebony is a rare and expensive wood due to its high demand and limited supply. It is listed as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss and overexploitation. As a result, its commercial use is restricted, and trade in the wood is regulated by international laws.