This is the only Rosewood available in commercial quantities. Being plantation grown, although not Certified, replanting is taking place. Compared to forest grown timber, plantation grown stock does not have the wild dense grain.

Dalbergia latifolia
Family: Leguminosae

Distribution: The same species as Indian Rosewood except that it is plantation grown in Indonesia.

General Description: From rose to dark purple-black. The grain is narrowly interlocked producing a ribbon grain figure; the texture uniform and moderately coarse and the surface dull but with a fragrant scent. It weighs about 850kg/m3 (53lb/ft3); specific gravity .85.

Mechanical Properties: The material has high bending and crushing strengths with low stiffness and medium resistance to shock loads.

Working Properties: There is severe blunting of cutting edges and is fairly hard to saw or machine due to presence of calcareous deposits . It is not suitable for nailing. Glues satisfactorily and requires grain filling for an excellent polished or waxed finish.

Durability: Very durable and moderately resistant to termites. The sapwood is liable to attack from powder post beetle.

Uses: This is a beautiful timber, used for high-class furniture, cabinet making, shop, office and bank fitting, flooring, musical instruments, boat building, brake blocks, posts, rafters and exterior joinery. It is an excellent turning wood. Selected logs are converted into valuable decorative veneers for panelling, doors, cabinets and luxury interiors.