Diospyros celebica
Specifications
Family
Ebenaceae
Species
Diospyros celebica Bakh.
Coromandel
Macassar ebony
Description
The sapwood is reddish brown and the heartwood is black, variegated with brown or reddish streaks, occasionally whitish or yellow. It is certainly the most prized of the Indonesian ebony species.
Plant morphology
The tree can grow to over 20 meters tall, with a trunk that, under optimal conditions, can exceed one meter in diameter. The root system is very deep, with buttresses. It has dark, scaly bark, almost black as the plant ages. The leaves are simple, lanceolate-elliptical. The flowers are small, and the fruits are fleshy.
Natural occurrence
Countries of origin and distribution
Indonesia, specifically the island of Sulawesi, in the Sunda archipelago; Makassar is the name of the island's main city and port.
Habitat and ecology
This species grows exclusively on the island of Sulawesi, in humid forest habitats at low or hilly elevations, where it prefers calcareous substrates. Growth is slow, with trunk diameter increasing by about 0.5 cm per year.
Uses
Application areas
The main uses are decorative veneers, sculpture, cabinet making in general and musical instruments.
Threats and Conservation
Threats
Unsustainable harvesting for its valuable timber currently allows only a few mature specimens to survive in the wild. Much of its natural habitat has been converted to agricultural land.
Conservation measures
Harvesting is now permitted only within defined limits, but illegal trade persists. Madagascar's populations are all listed in Appendix II of CITES.
IUCN Red List
IUCN
VU - Vulnerable
CITES. Year of assessment
CITES
1998
1975
2050
CITES Italia • Ultimo aggiornamento
1998
Appendix II
Miscellaneous
Given the conservation status of the species in nature, the use of this wood should be avoided.