Rosewood
[Pa-li-san-der]; [Dalbergia spp.]; trade names: Brazilian rosewood (DE), pau preto, uraúna (BR)
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Origin |
Central and South America, Southeast Asia, Madagascar |
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Raw density |
800 – 1000 kg/m³ |
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Durability class |
1-2 |
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Radial shrinkage |
0,23 – 0,25 % |
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Tangential shrinkage |
0,35 – 0,39 % |
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Wood color |
yellowish brown to reddish purple, often alternating within a species or even a single stem |
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Wood structure |
coarsely needle-cracked, pores predominantly individually scattered, with dark and light-colored core materials |
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Use |
Decorative veneers for high-quality furniture, paneling, cases and cabinets |
Palisander (Dalbergia) comprises almost 280 species worldwide, mainly climbing plants, shrubs and small trees. This fact sheet focuses on species that are used commercially and traded internationally. The term “rosewood” is derived from the Spanish “palo santo” (sacred wood). The English term “rosewood” and the French “bois de rose” refer to the sweet, rose-like scent of some rosewoods when dried. In German, “Rosenholz” is often used as a translation for “rosewood”, but this can also refer to woods of other species. The genus Jacaranda, including the “rosewood tree,” is different from Dalbergia and is not a rosewood.
The rosewoods are characterized by their diverse colour palette, from yellowish to almost black, and characteristic patterns. The pore size varies depending on the species, while banded axial parenchyma and rays characterize the appearance of the wood. A special feature is the often perceptible scent, which is helpful for identification. Machining the harder types requires more force, and the use of carbide tools is recommended. Drying is slow and requires careful control to avoid defects. Rosewoods are ideal for musical instruments, especially woodwind instruments, furniture components and decorative veneers due to their excellent resistance to fungal attack. Musical instrument manufacturers and the Chinese furniture industry are important customers for these unique woods.
Since January 2017, all Dalbergia species have been subject to the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Nevertheless, an environmental protection organization shows that over 401,500 cubic metres of rosewood have been illegally exported from Ghana to China since 2012. Similar practices are also being uncovered in Senegal and Gambia. Despite official bans, the wood is smuggled, with Chinese traders playing a key role. Illegal trade is putting considerable pressure on rosewood stocks, although they are already endangered by legal logging.
Sources: Wikipedia, Holz vom Fach(GD Holz)
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435,00 €
590,00 €
ab 43,50 €
ab 15,00 €
ab 15,00 €
