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Striped ebony and true ebony both belong to the mahogany family, but they are classified differently. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct characteristics.
Striped ebony, commonly known as "ebony," gets its name from the visible stripes on its surface. According to China's national standard for "Redwood," striped ebony is now classified separately from true ebony. Both species belong to the genus Diospyros in the Ebenaceae family. The main difference lies in their wood color: true ebony has a deep black heartwood, while striped ebony typically features a dark black or chestnut brown background with lighter stripes running through it.
Historically, striped ebony was referred to as "Wenmu" or "Wuwenmu" in ancient Chinese texts. In the Jin Dynasty, it was called "Cui Bao," and records like "Ancient and Modern Notes" describe it as a rare and valuable wood used for ceremonial purposes. In Japan, it is also recognized under similar names. According to Sudo Akashi’s "Nanyang Wood," striped ebony is characterized by its black heartwood and gray or reddish-brown streaks.
In China, the term "ebony" is often used broadly to refer to several types of dark woods, including true ebony, striped ebony, black rosewood (D. fusca), and even some non-redwood species. Consumers should be cautious of misleading names like "black sandalwood" or "Ukrainian wood." When purchasing mahogany furniture, always ask the seller to specify the official name according to the "Redwood" national standard. Experts emphasize that striped ebony has light-colored stripes on a dark background, not the opposite.
[Types of Striped Ebony and Their Characteristics]
Sulawesi ebony is a large tree, reaching up to 40 meters in height. It has a trunk diameter of 80–100 cm and roots extending up to 4 meters. Found mainly in Sulawesi, Indonesia, this wood has a loose structure with less defined growth rings. Its heartwood is black or chestnut brown, featuring black and chestnut brown stripes. The vessels are clearly visible to the naked eye, and the wood contains natural gum. It has a glossy finish, no distinct odor, and a fine texture. The wood is heavy, with an air-dry density of 1.09 g/cm³, and is highly resistant to decay. However, it can be prone to cracking and has an unpleasant, spicy smell when freshly cut.
Philippine ebony is a smaller tree, mainly found in the Philippines. Like Sulawesi ebony, it has a loose structure and less visible growth rings. Its heartwood is black, with black or chestnut brown streaks. The vessels are visible under magnification, and it contains dark brown gum. The wood is shiny, has a very fine structure, and is moderately heavy, with an air-dry density ranging from 0.78 to 1.09 g/cm³. It also shows slight variation in grain texture and is prone to shrinkage during drying.