Rank Species | Genus Diospyros Higher classification Persimmons | |
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Similar Persimmons, Ebenaceae, Diospyros ebenum, Diospyros crassiflora, Diospyros macrophylla | ||
Diospyros celebica (Makassar ebony) is a species of flowering tree in the family Ebenaceae that is endemic to the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia. Its common name is derived from the main seaport on the island, Makassar.
Makassar ebony wood is variegated, streaky brown and black, and nearly always wide-striped. It is considered a highly valuable wood for turnery, fine cabinet work, and joinery, and is much sought for posts tokobashira) in traditional Japanese houses. Japan used to be the main importer for this wood. It is also used as a wood in fingerboards for guitars and other related instruments.
The tree grows up to 20 m (66 ft) high under favourable circumstances, although such trees are rarely seen nowadays. Since Makassar ebony has been a woodworkers' favourite for centuries, most of it has been felled and used in high-quality furniture. The wood is often defective, showing cracks, and in particular heart shakes and splits. It is not easy to dry and is best given ample time for this. Converting logs into boards as soon as possible is recommended.
Considered an exceptionally beautiful timber, ebony has been much appreciated by woodworkers all over the world through the past two centuries. It has now become very scarce; only small amounts are available on the market as the region of growth is quite restricted. Any ebony wood is already considered among the world's most expensive. As a special subset of ebony, Makassar ebony is even more valuable.
