Names and distribution: This true rosewood species is native to south-eastern India as well as some of the islands of Indonesia. Botanically, both origins are Dalbergia latifolia. East Indian rosewood comes from natural forests where its use is strictly regulated. Forest protection and forest management are the responsibility of the state forestry administration. Indonesian rosewood, known there as Sonokeling, comes from plantations. Dalbergia sissoo is another Asian rosewood species that is found in northern India and Afghanistan, among other places. Furniture made from this type of wood is usually sold in a rustic style under the name sheesham.
Wood pattern: The basic color varies from purple to brown striped. Dalbergia latifolia has relatively large pores, sapwood and core are sharply delimited from each other, ingredients are hardly present and sometimes visible in the pore grooves. Sonokeling has significantly wider growth zones. Very decorative overall.
Properties: The density at u=12% is approx. 0.80 t/m3. There is a risk of cracking and deformation during technical drying. Air drying is therefore preferred. Processing is unproblematic. Smooth and closed surfaces can be created without great effort. Irritation of the mucous membranes can occur during processing.
Use: Decorative veneers, high-quality woodturning, musical instrument making, especially acoustic guitars
| Sources: |
ATIBT (1990): Atlas of Asian Timbers GOTTWALD (1970) Wood identification of the most important commercial timbers RICHTER, H.G. (1988) Wood as a raw material for making musical instruments |
