Replies

1. 
   saschafer | Dec 06, 2007 07:33am | #1

   Ebonies are trees in the genus Diospyros. In addition to species used for lumber, the genus also includes persimmons and a few other fruits of commercial importance. Only a few of the species in the genus have all- or partially-black heartwood. Black-and-white Ebony is Diospyros embryopteris, and is native to Southeast Asia. I believe the trees are mostly small and gnarly, which is why you typically only find it in the form of turning blanks. I don't know anything about the environmental status of the species.

   -Steve

    

   
   

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   Edited 12/5/2007 11:36 pm ET by saschafer

1. 
   Kenneth | Dec 07, 2007 06:49am | #2

   Steve,

   Thanks!  I assume that the trees that yield Gaboon and macasser ebony must be much larger based on the size of the wood that is available at our suppliers here in Atlanta.

1. 
   saschafer | Dec 07, 2007 07:24am | #3

   I did a little bit of online research and located a photo of a tree growing in a garden (maybe a park?) in Lahore, Pakistan. As I suspected, it was very gnarly, but it was bigger than I expected.

   Here's the link to the photo: http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/144733/

   -Steve