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African Blackwood Dalbergia melanoxylon is a species of rosewood with dark dense, lustrous wood. It can be confused with Ebony which is also dark, but black Ebony has much more of a matt decorative quality. It is a native of Eastern Africa where it is known as "pingo". It is generally cut into small billets or logs with its sharply demarcated bright yellow white sapwood left on to assist in the slow drying so as to prevent cracks developing. Good quality "A" grade African Blackwood commands good prices on the commercial timber market.

Uses

The tonal qualities of African Blackwood are particularly valued when used in woodwind instruments, principally clarinets, oboes and Northumbrian pipes. Furniture makers from the time of the Egyptians have valued this timber. It has been even been used as ballast in trading ships. A story states that some enterprising Northumbrian pipe makers used old discarded Blackwood ballast to great effect.