Dalbergia nigra
Specifications
Family
Fabaceae
Species
Dalbergia nigra (Vell.) Allemao ex Benth.
bahia rosewood
rio rosewood
Description
It is moderately heavy (0.87 g/cm), quite decorative, very resistant, with a long natural durability.
Plant morphology
It is a deciduous tree with a broad, open crown and pinnate leaves 5–8 cm long with 11–17 leaflets. It grows 15–25 m tall and measures 40–80 cm in diameter. Its showy flowering occurs in September–November, while the fruits ripen in August–September.
Natural occurrence
Countries of origin and distribution
Brazil: Bahia, Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.
Habitat and ecology
Native to the Atlantic Forest, it is a heliophilous species that tolerates drought; it is found primarily along well-drained coasts, both in dense primary forest and in secondary formations, and is a pioneer. It produces a large quantity of seeds annually and is capable of propagating even from its roots.
Uses
Application areas
It is specifically designed for fine furniture, but is also used for interior finishes in civil engineering, frames, doors, skirting boards, decorative veneers, furniture upholstery, turned parts, and more.
Threats and Conservation
Threats
It is a threatened endemic tree that grows wild in one of the world's most endangered biomes (Mata Atlantica). Habitat destruction, overharvesting, fires, the introduction of competitive alien species, both at current rates of harvesting, and illegal trade are the main threats causing population decline.
Conservation measures
This species is found in various protected areas. It was the first tree species listed in CITES, in 1992.
IUCN Red List
IUCN
VU - Vulnerable
CITES. Year of assessment
CITES
1998
1975
2050
CITES Italia • Ultimo aggiornamento
1998
Appendix I, Appendix II
Technical data
Aesthetic characteristics
Grain
Obvious
Texture
Coarse
Physical and mechanical properties
Density
ρ
ρ
835
kg/m3
Radial shrinkage
Rad. sh.
Rad. sh.
29
MPa
Tangential shrinkage
Tang. sh.
Tang. sh.
46
MPa
Bending strength
M.O.R.
M.O.R.
135
MPa
Modulus of Elasticity
M.O.E.
M.O.E.
13930
MPa
Durability characteristics
Fungal resistance
Very durable
Insect resistance
Resistant
Miscellaneous
It is favored by landscapers because of its remarkable ornamental qualities and is suitable even for arid soils and degraded substrates. Essential oils used in cosmetics are also extracted from the wood. Given the species' poor state of conservation in the wild, the use of this wood should be avoided.