African Blackwood

African Blackwood (Dalbergia melanoxylon)

Common Names: African Blackwood, Mpingo (Swahili), Grenadilla

Distribution: Dry savanna regions of Central and  Southern Africa

Color/Appearance: Often completely black, with little or no discernible grain. Occasionally slightly lighter, with a dark brown or purplish hue. The pale yellow sapwood is usually very thin

Janka Hardness: 3,670 lb_f

Density: 6.59 lb/b.f.

Shrinkage: 1

Radial (thickness): 2.9%

Tangential (width): 4.8%,

Volumetric (total): 7.7%,

T/R Ratio (width to depth): 1.7

Allergies/Toxicity: 1 Most common reactions simply include eye, skin and respiratory irritation

Controlled species: CITES: yes (African Blackwood is  listed on CITES appendix II under the genus wide restriction on all Dalbergia species) IUCN: yes (reported by the IUCN as being near threatened)

Common Uses: Musical instruments (guitars, oboes, clarinets, etc.), inlay, carving, tool handles and other turned objects.