Jamaican Rain Tree (Brya Ebony)

The Jamaican rain tree, scientifically known as Brya ebenus, is a rare and precious species native to the Caribbean (Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti). Also called Jamaican ironwood or golden logwood, it is renowned for its small, vibrant yellow flowers that appear after every rainfall — hence its poetic name. It reaches a height of 5 to 9 m and features gracefully arched, drooping branches.

Its leaves are small, waxy, and compound (2–3 leaflets), often arranged in a spiral.

This tree produces clusters of orange-yellow flowers that attract bees and butterflies. It tolerates poor soils and salt, and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil.

The wood, known as Brya ebony, is exceptionally dense (1.0 to 1.2 g/cm³), and highly resistant to humidity, aging, and insects. Its colour ranges from golden brown to chocolate brown, sometimes with unique golden highlights. It is a luxury wood, prized for fine knifemaking, marquetry, instrument making, woodturning, and lutherie.

Difficult to work but capable of achieving a mirror-like polish, this rare wood is offered by Mercorne for artisans and enthusiasts seeking a noble and durable material.