Latin name: Dalbergia melanoxylon.
Other names: african blackwood, African Grenadilla or Mozambique ebony, pao preto.
Origin: Central and Eastern Africa.
Colour: Black widowed.
The natural wood of the grenadilla, also known as African ebony wood or Diospyros crassiflora, is a fascinating material from a scientific point of view. It belongs to the ebenacea family and is native to the tropical regions of Africa, particularly Cameroon and Gabon.
Botanicalally, the grenadilla is distinguished by its exceptionally high density. It has a complex and compact cell structure composed of closely intertwined fibres. This structure gives wood remarkable strength and durability, making it a valuable material in various applications, including cabinetmaking.
The grenadilla is known for its dark colour and fine grain. Its colour varies from intense black to dark brown, making it a popular choice for upscale furniture and decorative objects. In addition, its fine grain makes it possible to obtain smooth and silky finishes, highlighting the natural beauty of wood.
Grenadilla wood is an exceptional material for the creation of furniture and art objects. Its high density makes it a solid and resistant wood, able to withstand stresses and intensive uses.
One of the most appreciated features of the grenadilla is its dimensional stability. Due to its compact cell structure, it is less likely to deform or split compared to other wood species. This makes it possible to create durable and lasting pieces.
Its dark colour and fine grain offer endless possibilities to create elegant and sophisticated pieces. Grenadilla wood can be polished to obtain a glossy and smooth surface, which highlights its luxurious look.
However, because of its density and hardness, the grenadilla can be a hard-working material. It requires sharp tools and special expertise to achieve precise cuts and impeccable finishes
