Sometimes reaching heights of over 50 feet ebony can have a trunk diameter of over 30 inches.

Ebony's heartwood is usually very dark brown or black with the sapwood being considerably lighter in color sometimes even light pink. After being cut ebony sapwood oxidizes to a rusty brown.

Ebony has a very fine grain that can be straight to curly. Ebony is very hard and this makes it difficult to work with using both hand tools and machines. Ebony is also known to dull the cutting surface of tools. It sands well and finishes to a mirror like finish when polished. Ebony also has good steaming and bending properties.

Ebony is also known as

• omenowa
• kukuo

Ebony is commonly used for

• carving
• musical instruments
• inlay work
• specialty items

Toxicity

Ebony dust can cause skin irritation.