African Blackwood

Dalbergia melanoxylon Guill. & Perr.

Dalbergia melanoxylon, known as African Blackwood, is a flowering plant in the Fabaceae family, native to seasonally dry regions of Africa. It is a significant timber species, valued for its use in musical instruments, furniture, and sculptures. The species is found from Senegal east to Eritrea and as far south as Mozambique and northeastern South Africa. It is also cultivated in other regions for its high-quality wood. Despite its economic importance, the species faces threats due to overharvesting and low germination rates.

Description

Dalbergia melanoxylon is a shrub or tree that typically grows in open forests, thickets, and grassy savannahs. It is also found in cropland, fallow, and disturbed sites. The species is known locally as 'pau-preto' in Portuguese. It is used as firewood and for medicinal purposes. The IUCN classifies it as Least Concern (LC), indicating that it is not currently facing a high risk of endangerment in the wild.

Habitat

This species is adapted to seasonally dry environments and is commonly found in open forests, thicket, and grassy savannahs. It can also be found in cropland, fallow land, and other disturbed habitats. Its range extends across several African countries, including Angola, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, and others.

Cultivation

Although not widely cultivated, Dalbergia melanoxylon is sometimes grown for its valuable timber. It is planted in regions where its wood is in demand for musical instruments, furniture, and carvings. However, cultivation efforts are limited due to the species' slow growth and low germination rates. Conservation efforts are needed to ensure the long-term survival of this species in both wild and cultivated settings.

Uses

The wood of Dalbergia melanoxylon is highly prized for its density, hardness, and rich color. It is commonly used in the manufacture of musical instruments such as clarinets, oboes, and other woodwinds. The wood is also used for fine furniture, sculptures (known as 'vinyago' in Swahili), and decorative items. In some regions, it is used as firewood and for medicinal purposes. Despite its value, overharvesting has led to concerns about the sustainability of wild populations.

Other common names

African BlackwoodAfrican EbonyMozambique EbonyChinese blackwoodMozambique-ebonySenaar-ebonySenegal-ebonySudan-ebonypoyiAfrican-ebony

Distribution

TD · CM · IN · Global · MZ · Angola · Bangladesh · Botswana · Burkina · Cameroon · Caprivi Strip · Central African Repu · Chad · Eritrea · Ethiopia · Guinea · India · Ivory Coast · Kenya · Malawi · Mali · Mauritania · Mozambique · Namibia · Nigeria · Northern Provinces · Senegal · Sri Lanka · Sudan · Swaziland