Exotic Woods from Around the World
There are many different kinds of exotic wood used in today’s lumber and crafting industry. With the consistency of North American climates, many wood workers turn to the use of woods in other parts of the world. The reason for this lies in the fact that other areas of the globe offer temperate climates with varying seasons that contribute to more quality wood. When climates experience extended periods of sunlight and with plentiful water conditions, such as in a tropical forest for example, the quality of the trees within that region becomes remarkable and highly regarded for wood working purposes. In fact, the best quality woods are those that come from across the globe, rather than right here in North America. When a wood is not readily available in the United States, or even in North America, it is considered rare. If the trees that provide this wood are endangered, as many are across the globe, than this wood is an even rarer commodity. This article is gong to discuss a few of these rare and exotic wood working materials that can be found all across the world.
African Blackwood
The wood of the African Blackwood tree is a lustrous type of wood that ranges in dense shades of red to black. This wood is found in the driest areas of Africa, most notably in South Africa. This wood will be cut into small logs to assist in the drying of it and to prevent the development of cracks. African Blackwood is considered a good quality, grade A and commands significant prices in the timber industry. This wood has been used in everything from woodwind instruments such as the clarinet, to Egyptian furniture. History tells us that this wood was once used as a ballast material for ships of the trading industry and that Northumbrian pipe producers would use any ballast that was discarded to create their majestic Northumbrian pipe organs.
Aningeria Aningeria
Aningeria Aningeria has been used worldwide before it found a home in the United States for common woodworking. This wood hails from the heart of Africa, specifically along the Ivory or Western Coast. The wood is used for common furniture, millwork, and cabinetry. It is a heartwood that appears cream or tan in shade with a hint of a pink hue. Generally this wood contains a grain that is straight, however you may see it in a wavy almost mottled appearance. The wood has an extremely lustrous appearance with a texture that is considered fine. It contains a high amount of silica as well adding to the rarity of the wood.
East Indian Rosewood
The East Indian Rosewood is also known as Dalbergia Latifolia and is a wonderful exotic wood from East India. This wood is commonly used for the craft of wood turning, as it is a wood that is effortless to work with. It contains a beautiful striped appearance and contains some resin properties in it as well.
Beeswing Mahogany
Beeswing mahogany is also known as African Mahogany or Khaya ivorensis and is found in West Africa in Gabon and Cabinda. This wood does not need much rainfall and grows in the low-lying regions of the rain forest. It is a light brown color with a hint of pin, and when cut it deepens to a red brown color. The texture of this wood is medium and almost coarse, with a grain that is between straight and interlocked. The wood is useful in the wood working industry as it finishes nicely, and leaves a lustrous appeal that adds a rich flavor to any finished piece.
Jatoba
The Jatoba wood is also known as Hymenaea courbarri and it is found in both Central and South America. This wood is very popular for abutments and bridges. The bark itself will produce Copal, a material in paints and varnishes. The storage of this wood must be taken with caution, as this wood is one that warps and cracks easily. The color of this wood is reddish orange however the color does mellow out as the wood ages.
These woods are just a few of the many hundreds of rare and exotic woods found across the globe.