General description: The heartwood is a rich dark brown to purplish-black, mostly straight grained, but
with wavy or curly grain occasionally present.

Working Properties: Works with hand or machine tools without difficulty with moderate blunting effect
on cutting edges. Holds nails or screws well, glues satisfactorily, and polished to a high finish.
Uses In the USA it is the standard timber for rifle butts and gunstocks. It is extensively used for high-quality
furniture, cabinetmaking and interior joinery, musical instruments, clock cases and carving.