The rarest tree on the planet, takes 200 years to mature

This rare tree only grows to a maximum height of about 15 metres (average height is about 8 metres), has a strange shape and does not fully mature until about 200 years old.

The African blackwood tree is a member of the rosewood family, classified under the family Leguminosae, genus Dalbergia, species melanoxylon. This tree is found mainly in coastal regions of East Africa, including Tanzania and Mozambique.

The tree only reaches a maximum height of about 15 metres (average height is about 8 metres), is oddly shaped and does not reach full maturity until it is about 200 years old. Most trees are harvested today at 70 to 80 years of age. The trunks are rarely more than 30 centimetres in diameter, making it difficult to extract large pieces of African blackwood from this tree.

According to historical evidence, the use and trade of this wood dates back to the ancient Egyptian civilization, dating back 5,000 years. It was used by pharaohs and wealthy families. In fact, two of the oldest artifacts found in the tomb of King Menes at Abydos were made from this particular wood.

In ancient Egypt, it was widely used in the making of furniture and fine works of art. It was also used in temple construction as wooden braces to hold the stones of the pyramids in place. It was also used in tomb decoration.

In Europe, in previous centuries, blackwood was used to make the handles of medical instruments. This wood was obtained from the British, French and German colonies in Africa and was also used for inlaying furniture and turnings.

Today, African blackwood is heavy and hard with a dense, fine-grained heartwood, prized by artisans for the making of art and musical instruments, including woodwinds and small stringed instruments. It is an oily wood and is resistant to rust formation on instruments.

African blackwood is an extremely rare timber species. It is used in the production of musical instruments and fine furniture.

African blackwood is extremely difficult to work, however. This dark wood has a straight, fine grain, but is so hard that it can quickly dull cutting tools. African blackwood ranges in color from jet black to deep purple. It is resistant to decay, heat, and warping, and is moderately resistant to insects.

The downside to blackwood is that it rarely grows straight in the way that instrument makers would like, and any flaws or cracks render the material unusable. This is why only 9% of African blackwood is harvested for cutting into musical instruments. Not to mention, from a 10-meter tree, at least 70 years old, only 50 clarinets can be made.

The high value of African blackwood and its limited supply have made it extremely expensive.

According to Nikkei Asia, African blackwood found in Tanzania is one of the most expensive woods in the world . A log can cost around $9,000; the price of processed wood in 2016 was listed at $13,000/m3 (about more than VND300 million).

African blackwood is currently classified as “near threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Extensive blackwood planting programs have been implemented to ensure future supplies.

Minh Hoa (t/h)

Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/loai-cay-quy-hiem-bac-nhat-hanh-tinh-phai-mat-200-nam-moi-truong-thanh-17224100709032164.htm