African Ebony Diospyros spp.
Commercial supplies are mostly from Equatorial West Africa.
Forms almost pure groups near riverbanks. May attain a height of 50 to 60 ft with a trunk diameter of about 2 ft. Sawdust may cause dermatitis. Heartwood difficult to work with hand and machine tools, has a pronounced dulling effect on tool edges, may pick up in planing if grain is irregular, takes an excellent polish. Good steam-bending properties.