Diospyrus ebenum

Ebony has long been treasured as a precious and rare timber. The unusual blackness of its heartwood, its amazing durability, hardness and ability to take a high polish set it apart. A tropical species, Ebony grows in India, West Africa and the East Indies, with the best timbers coming from Sri Lanka. The tree has a wide trunk with jet black bark and a white sapwood. Today Ebony is used for piano keys, cabinet work, inlay and turnery.