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The original satinwoods

Satinwood may refer to several woods. Chloroxylon swietenia, the Ceylon satinwood or East Indian satinwood, and Zanthoxylum flavum, the West Indian satinwood, are considered to be the original satinwoods. Various other woods that can be polished to a high gloss also carry the name. Both true satinwood species come from the Rutaceae family.

Chloroxylon swietenia is a tropical hardwood. It is native to southern India, Sri Lanka and Madagascar. Zanthoxylum flavum is a medium-sized tree. It is native to Cuba, Jamaica, the Bahamas and the Florida Keys, among other places.

The wood

The heartwood of both true satinwoods ranges from light to golden yellow to orangish brown. The texture of both species is fine and even, with a very high natural luster. Both woods are difficult to work because of their high density and interlocked grain, yet they turn superbly and can take a high natural polish. East Indian satinwood is rated as very durable regarding decay resistance, though susceptible to insect attack.

The wood is used for veneer, inlays, fine furniture, turned objects and other small specialty items.

Conservation and supply

Zanthoxylum flavum is vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. It is threatened by habitat loss and harvesting for its dense, durable wood. East Indian satinwood is vulnerable because of a population reduction of over 20% in the past three generations, caused by a decline in its natural range and exploitation. It is increasingly scarce, with very high prices, and is typically available only in veneer form.

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