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{{short description|One of several types of wood from tropical trees}}
{{Short description|Several tropical woods of the genus Dalbergia}}
{{about|rosewood timber|other uses|Rosewood (disambiguation)}}
{{about|rosewood timber|other uses|Rosewood (disambiguation)}}
{{refimprove|date=March 2018}}
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[[Image:Rio-Palisander, dunkel Holz.JPG|thumb|A classic rosewood surface (''[[Dalbergia nigra]]'')]]
[[Image:Rio-Palisander, dunkel Holz.JPG|thumb|A classic rosewood surface (''[[Dalbergia nigra]]'')]]
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'''Rosewood''' is any of a number of richly hued [[timber]]s, often brownish with darker veining, but found in many different hues and colours.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.memidex.com/rosewood-tree|title=rosewood tree - Memidex dictionary/thesaurus|website=www.memidex.com|access-date=2016-04-02}}</ref>
'''Rosewood''' is any of a number of richly hued [[hardwood]]s, often brownish with darker veining, but found in other colours.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.memidex.com/rosewood-tree|title=rosewood tree - Memidex dictionary/thesaurus|website=www.memidex.com|access-date=2016-04-02}}</ref> It is hard, tough, strong, and dense. True rosewoods come from trees of the genus ''[[Dalbergia]]'', but other woods are often called rosewood. Rosewood takes a high polish and is used for luxury furniture-making, flooring, musical instruments, and turnery.


== True rosewoods ==
== True rosewoods ==
[[File:RosewoodPieces.jpg|right|thumb|[[Chess piece]]s in ''[[Dalbergia latifolia]]'' rosewood]]
[[File:RosewoodPieces.jpg|right|thumb|[[Chess piece]]s in ''[[Dalbergia latifolia]]'' rosewood]]
[[File:Ming Dynasty Wardrobe.jpg|thumb|A [[Ming Dynasty]] rosewood wardrobe, 16th century.]]
All genuine rosewoods belong to the [[genus]] ''[[Dalbergia]]''. The pre-eminent rosewood appreciated in the Western world is the wood of ''[[Dalbergia nigra]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rosewood From Around the Globe – Woodworkers Source Blog |url=https://www.woodworkerssource.com/blog/wood-conversations/rosewood-from-around-the-globe/ |access-date=2023-01-17 |language=en-US}}</ref> It is best known as "Brazilian rosewood",<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rosewood {{!}} tree and timber {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/plant/rosewood-tree-and-timber |access-date=2023-01-17 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref> but also as "Bahia rosewood". This wood has a strong, sweet smell, which persists for many years, explaining the name ''rosewood''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/distinguishing-brazilian-rosewood-from-east-indian-and-other-rosewoods/|title=Distinguishing Brazilian Rosewood, East Indian and Other Rosewoods - The Wood Database|website=www.wood-database.com}}</ref>
Genuine rosewoods belong to the [[genus]] ''[[Dalbergia]]''. The pre-eminent rosewood appreciated in the Western world is the wood of ''[[Dalbergia nigra]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rosewood From Around the Globe – Woodworkers Source Blog |url=https://www.woodworkerssource.com/blog/wood-conversations/rosewood-from-around-the-globe/ |access-date=2023-01-17 |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-01-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117011055/https://www.woodworkerssource.com/blog/wood-conversations/rosewood-from-around-the-globe/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It is best known as "Brazilian rosewood",<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rosewood {{!}} tree and timber {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/plant/rosewood-tree-and-timber |access-date=2023-01-17 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en |archive-date=2023-01-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117011054/https://www.britannica.com/plant/rosewood-tree-and-timber |url-status=live }}</ref> but also as "Bahia rosewood". This wood has a strong, sweet smell, which persists for many years, explaining the name ''rosewood''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/distinguishing-brazilian-rosewood-from-east-indian-and-other-rosewoods/|title=Distinguishing Brazilian Rosewood, East Indian and Other Rosewoods - The Wood Database|website=www.wood-database.com|access-date=2016-07-15|archive-date=2019-03-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323204607/https://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/distinguishing-brazilian-rosewood-from-east-indian-and-other-rosewoods/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Another classic rosewood comes from ''[[Dalbergia latifolia]]'', known as (East) Indian rosewood or ''sonokeling'' (Indonesia). It is native to India and is also grown in plantations elsewhere in [[Chiniot|Pakistan (Chiniot)]].
Another classic rosewood comes from ''[[Dalbergia latifolia]]'', known as (East) Indian rosewood or ''sonokeling'' (Indonesia). It is native to India and is also grown in plantations elsewhere in [[Chiniot|Pakistan (Chiniot)]].


Madagascar rosewood (''[[Dalbergia maritima]]''), known as ''bois de rose'', is highly prized for its red color. It is [[overexploited]] in the wild, despite a 2010 moratorium on trade and [[illegal logging]], which continues on a large scale.<ref>{{cite web |title=In search of Madagascar's rosewood mafia |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-26037626 |publisher=[[BBC News]] |date=20 February 2014 |access-date=21 February 2014}}</ref>
Madagascar rosewood (''[[Dalbergia maritima]]''), known as ''bois de rose'', is highly prized for its red color. It is [[overexploited]] in the wild, despite a 2010 moratorium on trade and [[Illegal logging in Madagascar|illegal logging]], which continues on a large scale.<ref>{{cite web |title=In search of Madagascar's rosewood mafia |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-26037626 |publisher=[[BBC News]] |date=20 February 2014 |access-date=21 February 2014 |archive-date=17 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417115428/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-26037626 |url-status=live }}</ref>


Throughout southeast Asia, ''[[Dalbergia oliveri]]'' is harvested for use in woodworking. It has a very fragrant and dense grain near the core, but the outer sapwood is soft and porous. ''Dalbergia cultrata'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/ild-46413|title=Dalbergia cultrata Benth. — The Plant List|website=www.theplantlist.org}}</ref> variegated burgundy to light brown in color, is a blackwood timber sold as Burmese rosewood. Products built with rosewood-based [[engineered wood]]s are sold as 'Malaysian rosewood' or as ''D. oliveri''.{{citation needed|date=April 2012}}
Throughout southeast Asia, ''[[Dalbergia oliveri]]'' is harvested for use in woodworking. It has a very fragrant and dense grain near the core, but the outer sapwood is soft and porous. ''Dalbergia cultrata'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/ild-46413|title=Dalbergia cultrata Benth. — The Plant List|website=www.theplantlist.org|access-date=2016-02-13|archive-date=2019-08-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809134535/http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/ild-46413|url-status=live}}</ref> variegated burgundy to light brown in color, is a blackwood timber sold as Burmese rosewood. Products built with rosewood-based [[engineered wood]]s are sold as 'Malaysian rosewood' or as ''D. oliveri''.{{citation needed|date=April 2012}}


Some rosewood comes from ''[[Dalbergia retusa]]'', also known as 'Nicaraguan rosewood' or as ''cocobolo''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cocobolo |url=https://forestlegality.org/risk-tool/species/cocobolo |access-date=2023-01-17 |website=Forest Legality |language=en}}</ref> Several species are known as Guatemalan rosewood or Panama rosewood: ''D. tucerencis'', ''D. tucarensis'', and ''D. cubiquitzensis''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Panama Rosewood Sets|url=http://www.gnutt.com/Lutherie/Panama/index.html|website=Garnut Guitars}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowebcanada.com/taxa/displayspecies.php?&species_name=Dalbergia+cubiquitzensis|title=TAXA: Data on a specific chosen botanical species Dalbergia cubiquitzensis .|website=www.prowebcanada.com|access-date=August 24, 2020}}</ref> Honduran rosewood, ''D. stevensonii''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Honduran Rosewood {{!}} The Wood Database (Hardwood) |url=https://www.wood-database.com/honduran-rosewood/ |access-date=2023-01-17 |language=en-US}}</ref> is used for marimba keys, guitar parts, clarinets and other musical and ornamental applications.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wood-database.com/honduran-rosewood/|title=Honduran Rosewood {{!}} The Wood Database - Lumber Identification (Hardwoods)|website=www.wood-database.com|access-date=2016-10-19}}</ref>
Some rosewood comes from ''[[Dalbergia retusa]]'', also known as 'Nicaraguan rosewood' or as ''cocobolo''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cocobolo |url=https://forestlegality.org/risk-tool/species/cocobolo |access-date=2023-01-17 |website=Forest Legality |language=en |archive-date=2023-01-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117011054/https://forestlegality.org/risk-tool/species/cocobolo |url-status=live }}</ref> Several species are known as Guatemalan rosewood or Panama rosewood: ''D. tucerencis'', ''D. tucarensis'', and ''D. cubiquitzensis''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Panama Rosewood Sets|url=http://www.gnutt.com/Lutherie/Panama/index.html|website=Garnut Guitars|access-date=2015-05-20|archive-date=2016-12-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225013600/http://gnutt.com/Lutherie/Panama/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowebcanada.com/taxa/displayspecies.php?&species_name=Dalbergia+cubiquitzensis|title=TAXA: Data on a specific chosen botanical species Dalbergia cubiquitzensis .|website=www.prowebcanada.com|access-date=August 24, 2020}}{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Honduran rosewood, ''D. stevensonii''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Honduran Rosewood {{!}} The Wood Database (Hardwood) |url=https://www.wood-database.com/honduran-rosewood/ |access-date=2023-01-17 |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-01-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117011057/https://www.wood-database.com/honduran-rosewood/ |url-status=live }}</ref> is used for marimba keys, guitar parts, clarinets and other musical and ornamental applications.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wood-database.com/honduran-rosewood/|title=Honduran Rosewood {{!}} The Wood Database - Lumber Identification (Hardwoods)|website=www.wood-database.com|access-date=2016-10-19|archive-date=2018-07-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716031324/http://www.wood-database.com/honduran-rosewood|url-status=live}}</ref>


Not all species in the large genus ''Dalbergia'' yield rosewoods; only about a dozen species do. The woods of some other species in the genus ''Dalbergia'' are notable&mdash;even famous&mdash;woods in their own right: [[African blackwood]], ''[[cocobolo]]'', [[Kingwood (wood)|kingwood]], and [[Tulipwood|Brazilian tulipwood]].
Not all species in the large genus ''Dalbergia'' yield rosewoods; only about a dozen species do. The woods of some other species in the genus ''Dalbergia'' are notable—even famous—woods in their own right: [[African blackwood]], ''[[cocobolo]]'', [[Kingwood (wood)|kingwood]], and [[Tulipwood|Brazilian tulipwood]].


Some species become [[Canopy (biology)|canopy]] trees (up to 30 m high),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brazilian Rosewood {{!}} The Wood Database (Hardwood) |url=https://www.wood-database.com/brazilian-rosewood/ |access-date=2023-01-17 |language=en-US}}</ref> and large pieces can occasionally be found in the trade.{{cn|date=March 2018}}
Some species become [[Canopy (biology)|canopy]] trees (up to 30 m high),<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brazilian Rosewood {{!}} The Wood Database (Hardwood) |url=https://www.wood-database.com/brazilian-rosewood/ |access-date=2023-01-17 |language=en-US |archive-date=2023-01-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117011058/https://www.wood-database.com/brazilian-rosewood/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and large pieces can occasionally be found in the trade.{{cn|date=March 2018}}
In rare cases, more than 60 meters of individuals and colonies were found around the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific.


== Other ==
== Other ==
The timber trade sells many timbers under the name 'rosewood' (usually with an adjective) due to some (outward) similarities. A fair number of these timbers come from other [[legume]] genera; one such species that is often mentioned is Bolivian ''[[Machaerium scleroxylon]]'' sold as 'Bolivian rosewood'. Another that may be found in market from [[Southeast Asia]] is ''[[Pterocarpus indicus]]'', sold as 'New Guinea rosewood' (and related species). ''[[Dalbergia sissoo]]'' is a rosewood species from India and Bangladesh, usually known as ''sheesham'' or North-Indian rosewood. Its timber is extremely dense and has mild rot resistance but is porous, and its exterior is soft and susceptible to wood-boring insects. It is used for making cabinets and flooring, and for carving. It is exported as quality veneers. Due to its after-work quality when sealed and dyed, it is often sold as genuine rosewood or as [[teak]]. It has no discernible qualities of a genuine rosewood. Its strength is comparable with teak, but it has lower quality and price than teak or ''[[Dalbergia latifolia]]''.{{citation needed|date=April 2012}}
The timber trade sells many timbers under the name 'rosewood' (usually with an adjective) due to some (outward) similarities. A fair number of these timbers come from other [[legume]] genera; one such species that is often mentioned is Bolivian ''[[Machaerium scleroxylon]]'' sold as 'Bolivian rosewood'. Another that may be found in market from [[Southeast Asia]] is ''[[Pterocarpus indicus]]'', sold as 'New Guinea rosewood' (and related species). ''[[Dalbergia sissoo]]'' is a rosewood species from India and Bangladesh, usually known as ''sheesham'' or North-Indian rosewood. Its timber is extremely dense and has mild rot resistance but is porous, and its exterior is soft and susceptible to wood-boring insects. It is used for making cabinets and flooring, and for carving. It is exported as quality veneers. Due to its after-work quality when sealed and dyed, it is often sold as genuine rosewood or as [[teak]]. It has no discernible qualities of a genuine rosewood. Its strength is comparable with teak, but it has lower quality and price than teak or ''[[Dalbergia latifolia]]''.{{citation needed|date=April 2012}}


Although its wood bears no resemblance whatsoever to the true rosewoods, the Australian rose mahogany (''[[Dysoxylum fraserianum]]'', family [[Meliaceae]]) and Australian blackwood, (''[[Acacia melanoxylon]]'') are also sold as rosewood. ''[[Acacia excelsa]]'' is also commonly known as ironwood or rosewood.<ref>{{cite web |title=''Acacia excelsa'' |url=http://worldwidewattle.com/speciesgallery/excelsa.php |work=World Wide Wattle |publisher=[[Western Australian Herbarium]] |access-date=2 October 2020}}</ref> Australian rose mahogany, due to the strong smell of roses from freshly cut bark, is more mistakenly termed a "rosewood".<ref>{{cite book |last=Boland |first=D.J. |title=Forest Trees of Australia |publisher=CSIRO Australia |edition=fourth |year=1984 |page=120 |display-authors=etal}}</ref>
Although its wood bears no resemblance whatsoever to the true rosewoods, the Australian rose mahogany (''[[Didymocheton fraserianus]]'', family [[Meliaceae]]) and Australian blackwood, (''[[Acacia melanoxylon]]'') are also sold as rosewood. ''[[Acacia excelsa]]'' is also commonly known as ironwood or rosewood.<ref>{{cite web |title=''Acacia excelsa'' |url=http://worldwidewattle.com/speciesgallery/excelsa.php |work=World Wide Wattle |publisher=[[Western Australian Herbarium]] |access-date=2 October 2020 |archive-date=6 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006221856/http://worldwidewattle.com/speciesgallery/excelsa.php |url-status=live }}</ref> Australian rose mahogany, due to the strong smell of roses from freshly cut bark, is more mistakenly termed a "rosewood".<ref>{{cite book |last=Boland |first=D.J. |title=Forest Trees of Australia |publisher=CSIRO Australia |edition=fourth |year=1984 |page=120 |display-authors=etal}}</ref>


== Uses ==
== Uses ==
[[File:RosewoodGuitarBack.jpg|thumb|Back of guitar made with East Indian rosewood (''Dalbergia latifolia'')]]
[[File:RosewoodGuitarBack.jpg|thumb|Back of guitar made with East Indian rosewood (''Dalbergia latifolia'')]]
All rosewoods are strong and heavy, taking an excellent polish, being suitable for [[guitar]]s (the fretboards on electric and acoustic guitars often being made of rosewood), [[marimba]]s, [[Recorder (musical instrument)|recorders]], [[turnery]] ([[Cue stick|billiard cues]], [[fountain pens]], black pieces in [[chess piece|chess sets]], etc.), handles, [[furniture]], and luxury [[wood flooring|flooring]], etc.
All rosewoods are strong and heavy, taking an excellent polish, being suitable for [[guitar]]s (the fretboards on electric and acoustic guitars often being made of rosewood), [[marimba]]s, [[Recorder (musical instrument)|recorders]], [[turnery]] ([[Cue stick|billiard cues]], [[fountain pens]], black pieces in [[chess piece|chess sets]], etc.), handles, [[furniture]], and luxury [[wood flooring|flooring]], etc.


[[Rosewood oil]], used in [[perfume]], is extracted from the wood of ''[[Aniba rosaeodora]]'', which is not related to the rosewoods used for lumber. Rosewood is also used for bracelets and necklaces.
[[Rosewood oil]], used in [[perfume]], is extracted from the wood of ''[[Aniba rosaeodora]]'', which is not related to the rosewoods used for lumber. Rosewood is also used for bracelets and necklaces.


==Toxicity==
==Toxicity==
The dust created from sanding rosewood is known to be a [[Allergic response|sensitizing irritant]] and can trigger asthma and other respiratory ailments. Continual or heightened exposure can increase sensitivity.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wood Allergies and Toxicity |url=http://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/wood-allergies-and-toxicity/ |publisher=[[Eric Meier]] |date=January 2009 |access-date=28 June 2012}}</ref>
Rosewood dust from sanding is a [[Allergic response|sensitizing irritant]] and can cause respiratory issues like asthma. Repeated exposure increases sensitivity, leading to chronic respiratory problems and potential allergic reactions. Proper safety measures are essential to minimize risks.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wood Allergies and Toxicity |url=http://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/wood-allergies-and-toxicity/ |publisher=[[Eric Meier]] |date=January 2009 |access-date=28 June 2012 |archive-date=2 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502174208/http://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/wood-allergies-and-toxicity |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Status as an endangered species==
==Status as an endangered species==
[[File:Illegal_export_of_rosewood_001.jpg|thumb|Madagascar rosewood is illegally logged from [[Masoala National Park|Masoala]] and [[Marojejy National Park|Marojejy national parks]], with the heaviest [[Exploitation of natural resources|exploitation]] occurring after the 2009 political crisis.]]
In general, world stocks are poor through [[overexploitation]].<ref name="ICUN status Dalbergia 2022">{{cite web |title=Dalbergia |url=https://www.iucnredlist.org/search?taxonomies=109296&searchType=species |website=ICUN Red List of threatened species |access-date=22 July 2022}}</ref> Rosewood is now protected worldwide. At a summit of the international wildlife trade in South Africa, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora ([[CITES]]) moved to protect the world's most trafficked wild product by placing all 300 species of the rosewood tree under trade restrictions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Appendices {{!}} CITES |url=https://cites.org/eng/app/appendices.php |access-date=2023-01-17 |website=cites.org}}</ref> At CITES meetings in 2013, 2016, and 2019, additional rosewood species were listed for protection, triggering market booms in China.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theconversation.com/restricting-trade-in-endangered-species-can-backfire-triggering-market-booms-124869|title=Restricting trade in endangered species can backfire, triggering market booms|first=Annah Lake|last=Zhu|website=The Conversation|access-date=August 24, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=China's Rosewood Boom: A Cultural Fix to Capital Overaccumulation|first=Annah Lake|last=Zhu|date=January 2, 2020|journal=Annals of the American Association of Geographers|volume=110|issue=1|pages=277–296|doi=10.1080/24694452.2019.1613955|doi-access=free}}</ref>
In general, world stocks are poor through [[overexploitation]].<ref name="ICUN status Dalbergia 2022">{{cite web |title=Dalbergia |url=https://www.iucnredlist.org/search?taxonomies=109296&searchType=species |website=ICUN Red List of threatened species |access-date=22 July 2022 |archive-date=6 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206081256/https://www.iucnredlist.org/search?taxonomies=109296&searchType=species |url-status=live }}</ref> Rosewood is now protected worldwide. At a summit of the international wildlife trade in South Africa, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora ([[CITES]]) moved to protect the world's most trafficked wild product by placing all 300 species of the rosewood tree under trade restrictions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Appendices {{!}} CITES |url=https://cites.org/eng/app/appendices.php |access-date=2023-01-17 |website=cites.org |archive-date=2017-12-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205014647/https://cites.org/eng/app/appendices.php |url-status=live }}</ref> At CITES meetings in 2013, 2016, and 2019, additional rosewood species were listed for protection, triggering market booms in China.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theconversation.com/restricting-trade-in-endangered-species-can-backfire-triggering-market-booms-124869|title=Restricting trade in endangered species can backfire, triggering market booms|first=Annah Lake|last=Zhu|website=The Conversation|date=13 January 2020|access-date=August 24, 2020|archive-date=29 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729145805/https://theconversation.com/restricting-trade-in-endangered-species-can-backfire-triggering-market-booms-124869|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=China's Rosewood Boom: A Cultural Fix to Capital Overaccumulation|first=Annah Lake|last=Zhu|date=January 2, 2020|journal=Annals of the American Association of Geographers|volume=110|issue=1|pages=277–296|doi=10.1080/24694452.2019.1613955|doi-access=free|bibcode=2020AAAG..110..277Z }}</ref>

== Characteristics ==
[[File:Ming Dynasty Wardrobe.jpg|thumb|A [[China|Chinese]] [[Ming Dynasty]] compound [[wardrobe]] made of [[huanghuali]] rosewood, latter half of the 16th century.]]
{{unreferenced section|date=February 2016}}
* Presence of hints of coarse grains with the shiny and silky smooth texture, compared to the glossy finish of artificial polishes
* Even texture with an orange/yellow-red to deep purple with black bars color range: Even if artificial dyes can reproduce the color, if with an uneven texture it can be confirmed the product is not made of rosewood. Fake rosewoods products have a thick color or light colors with white color in some space.
* If directly bought from workshop, the sawdust has a flowery aroma. If not, the product is compromised. Certain showpieces might have an unusual aroma; this is the effect of fragrant aerosol, not the quality.
* A drop of water mixed with sawdust makes the dust submerged and the droplet has a purplish precipitation.
* A gentle knock on the wood produces a crisp sound without noise.


== List of rosewoods ==
== List of rosewoods ==
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* Black Rosewood, Nicaraguan, Mexican or Panama and Central American Rosewood (''[[Dalbergia retusa]]'')
* Black Rosewood, Nicaraguan, Mexican or Panama and Central American Rosewood (''[[Dalbergia retusa]]'')
* Brazilian Rosewood, also Bahia or Rio Rosewood, Jacaranda, White Rosewood (''[[Dalbergia nigra]]''), german Rio-Palisander
* Brazilian Rosewood, also Bahia or Rio Rosewood, Jacaranda, White Rosewood (''[[Dalbergia nigra]]''), german Rio-Palisander
* Brown’s Indian rosewood (''[[Dalbergia brownei]]'')
* Brown's Indian rosewood (''[[Dalbergia brownei]]'')
* Burmese Rosewood (''[[Dalbergia oliveri]]'') Chingchan also as Asian or Laos Rosewood, (''[[Dalbergia bariensis]]''), (''[[Dalbergia cultrata]]'', ''[[Dalbergia dongnaiensis]]'', ''[[Dalbergia fusca]]'')
* Burmese Rosewood (''[[Dalbergia oliveri]]'') Chingchan also as Asian or Laos Rosewood, (''[[Dalbergia bariensis]]''), (''[[Dalbergia cultrata]]'', ''[[Dalbergia dongnaiensis]]'', ''[[Dalbergia fusca]]'')
* Chinese Rosewood, Fragrant Rosewood, Huanghuali (''[[Dalbergia odorifera]]'') also as Bangkok Rosewood
* Chinese Rosewood, Fragrant Rosewood, Huanghuali (''[[Dalbergia odorifera]]'') also as Bangkok Rosewood
Line 86: Line 76:
* Caribbean Rosewood (''[[Metopium brownei]]'')
* Caribbean Rosewood (''[[Metopium brownei]]'')
* Cayenne Rosewood, ''Bois de rose mâle'' (''[[Ocotea cernua]]'') or possible to other sources (''[[Endlicheria canescens]]'', ''[[Licaria cannella]]'', ''[[Tetragastris altissima]]'')
* Cayenne Rosewood, ''Bois de rose mâle'' (''[[Ocotea cernua]]'') or possible to other sources (''[[Endlicheria canescens]]'', ''[[Licaria cannella]]'', ''[[Tetragastris altissima]]'')
* False or Bastard Rosewood; others than ''[[Swartzia]]'' spp.; (''[[Dysoxylum rufum]]'') also as Hairy Rosewood, (''[[Jacaranda mimosifolia ]]''), (''[[Thespesia populnea]]'', ''[[Thespesia populneoides]]'') also as Pacific and Tahitian Rosewood or Polynesian Rosewood, Macawood, Granadillo (''[[Platymiscium]]'' spp.)
* False or Bastard Rosewood; others than ''[[Swartzia]]'' spp.; (''[[Didymocheton rufus]]'') also as Hairy Rosewood, (''[[Jacaranda mimosifolia]] ''), (''[[Thespesia populnea]]'', ''[[Thespesia populneoides]]'') also as Pacific and Tahitian Rosewood or Polynesian Rosewood, Macawood, Granadillo (''[[Platymiscium]]'' spp.)
* Guyana Rosewood, Bastard Rosewood (''[[Swartzia benthamiana]]'', ''[[Swartzia leiocalycina]]''), (''[[Swartzia cubensis]]'') also as Northern Rosewood and for (''[[Licaria guianensis]]'') also French Rosewood
* Guyana Rosewood, Bastard Rosewood (''[[Swartzia benthamiana]]'', ''[[Swartzia leiocalycina]]''), (''[[Swartzia cubensis]]'') also as Northern Rosewood and for (''[[Licaria guianensis]]'') also French Rosewood
* Jamaica Rosewood (''[[Erithalis fruticosa]]'')
* Jamaica Rosewood (''[[Erithalis fruticosa]]'')
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* Rhodesian Rosewood (''Guibourtia coleosperma'') see African Rosewood
* Rhodesian Rosewood (''Guibourtia coleosperma'') see African Rosewood
* West Indian Rosewood, Jamaica Rosewood, White Rosewood (''[[Amyris balsamifera]]''); also as Lignum rhodium
* West Indian Rosewood, Jamaica Rosewood, White Rosewood (''[[Amyris balsamifera]]''); also as Lignum rhodium
* Rosewood, Australian Rose Mahogany, Bastard Rosewood (''[[Dysoxylum fraserianum]]'')
* Rosewood, Australian Rose Mahogany, Bastard Rosewood (''[[Didymocheton fraserianus]]'')
* Western Rosewood, Inland Rosewood (''[[Alectryon oleifolius]]'')
* Western Rosewood, Inland Rosewood (''[[Alectryon oleifolius]]'')
* White Rosewood (''[[Chionanthus ligustrinus]]''), (''[[Anthocarapa nitidula]]'')
* White Rosewood (''[[Chionanthus ligustrinus]]''), (''[[Anthocarapa nitidula]]'')
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==External links==
==External links==
*{{Commons category-inline}}
* {{Commons category-inline}}


{{Woodworking}}
{{Woodworking}}


[[Category:Wood]]
[[Category:Wood by type]]
[[Category:Plant common names]]
[[Category:Plant common names]]

Latest revision as of 05:21, 27 November 2024

A classic rosewood surface (Dalbergia nigra)

Rosewood is any of a number of richly hued hardwoods, often brownish with darker veining, but found in other colours.[1] It is hard, tough, strong, and dense. True rosewoods come from trees of the genus Dalbergia, but other woods are often called rosewood. Rosewood takes a high polish and is used for luxury furniture-making, flooring, musical instruments, and turnery.

True rosewoods

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Chess pieces in Dalbergia latifolia rosewood
A Ming Dynasty rosewood wardrobe, 16th century.

Genuine rosewoods belong to the genus Dalbergia. The pre-eminent rosewood appreciated in the Western world is the wood of Dalbergia nigra.[2] It is best known as "Brazilian rosewood",[3] but also as "Bahia rosewood". This wood has a strong, sweet smell, which persists for many years, explaining the name rosewood.[4] Another classic rosewood comes from Dalbergia latifolia, known as (East) Indian rosewood or sonokeling (Indonesia). It is native to India and is also grown in plantations elsewhere in Pakistan (Chiniot).

Madagascar rosewood (Dalbergia maritima), known as bois de rose, is highly prized for its red color. It is overexploited in the wild, despite a 2010 moratorium on trade and illegal logging, which continues on a large scale.[5]

Throughout southeast Asia, Dalbergia oliveri is harvested for use in woodworking. It has a very fragrant and dense grain near the core, but the outer sapwood is soft and porous. Dalbergia cultrata,[6] variegated burgundy to light brown in color, is a blackwood timber sold as Burmese rosewood. Products built with rosewood-based engineered woods are sold as 'Malaysian rosewood' or as D. oliveri.[citation needed]

Some rosewood comes from Dalbergia retusa, also known as 'Nicaraguan rosewood' or as cocobolo.[7] Several species are known as Guatemalan rosewood or Panama rosewood: D. tucerencis, D. tucarensis, and D. cubiquitzensis.[8][9] Honduran rosewood, D. stevensonii[10] is used for marimba keys, guitar parts, clarinets and other musical and ornamental applications.[11]

Not all species in the large genus Dalbergia yield rosewoods; only about a dozen species do. The woods of some other species in the genus Dalbergia are notable—even famous—woods in their own right: African blackwood, cocobolo, kingwood, and Brazilian tulipwood.

Some species become canopy trees (up to 30 m high),[12] and large pieces can occasionally be found in the trade.[citation needed]

Other

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The timber trade sells many timbers under the name 'rosewood' (usually with an adjective) due to some (outward) similarities. A fair number of these timbers come from other legume genera; one such species that is often mentioned is Bolivian Machaerium scleroxylon sold as 'Bolivian rosewood'. Another that may be found in market from Southeast Asia is Pterocarpus indicus, sold as 'New Guinea rosewood' (and related species). Dalbergia sissoo is a rosewood species from India and Bangladesh, usually known as sheesham or North-Indian rosewood. Its timber is extremely dense and has mild rot resistance but is porous, and its exterior is soft and susceptible to wood-boring insects. It is used for making cabinets and flooring, and for carving. It is exported as quality veneers. Due to its after-work quality when sealed and dyed, it is often sold as genuine rosewood or as teak. It has no discernible qualities of a genuine rosewood. Its strength is comparable with teak, but it has lower quality and price than teak or Dalbergia latifolia.[citation needed]

Although its wood bears no resemblance whatsoever to the true rosewoods, the Australian rose mahogany (Didymocheton fraserianus, family Meliaceae) and Australian blackwood, (Acacia melanoxylon) are also sold as rosewood. Acacia excelsa is also commonly known as ironwood or rosewood.[13] Australian rose mahogany, due to the strong smell of roses from freshly cut bark, is more mistakenly termed a "rosewood".[14]

Uses

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Back of guitar made with East Indian rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia)

All rosewoods are strong and heavy, taking an excellent polish, being suitable for guitars (the fretboards on electric and acoustic guitars often being made of rosewood), marimbas, recorders, turnery (billiard cues, fountain pens, black pieces in chess sets, etc.), handles, furniture, and luxury flooring, etc.

Rosewood oil, used in perfume, is extracted from the wood of Aniba rosaeodora, which is not related to the rosewoods used for lumber. Rosewood is also used for bracelets and necklaces.

Toxicity

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Rosewood dust from sanding is a sensitizing irritant and can cause respiratory issues like asthma. Repeated exposure increases sensitivity, leading to chronic respiratory problems and potential allergic reactions. Proper safety measures are essential to minimize risks.[15]

Status as an endangered species

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Madagascar rosewood is illegally logged from Masoala and Marojejy national parks, with the heaviest exploitation occurring after the 2009 political crisis.

In general, world stocks are poor through overexploitation.[16] Rosewood is now protected worldwide. At a summit of the international wildlife trade in South Africa, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) moved to protect the world's most trafficked wild product by placing all 300 species of the rosewood tree under trade restrictions.[17] At CITES meetings in 2013, 2016, and 2019, additional rosewood species were listed for protection, triggering market booms in China.[18][19]

List of rosewoods

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From Dalbergia species:

Other than Dalbergia species


References

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  1. ^ "rosewood tree - Memidex dictionary/thesaurus". www.memidex.com. Retrieved 2016-04-02.
  2. ^ "Rosewood From Around the Globe – Woodworkers Source Blog". Archived from the original on 2023-01-17. Retrieved 2023-01-17.
  3. ^ "Rosewood | tree and timber | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Archived from the original on 2023-01-17. Retrieved 2023-01-17.
  4. ^ "Distinguishing Brazilian Rosewood, East Indian and Other Rosewoods - The Wood Database". www.wood-database.com. Archived from the original on 2019-03-23. Retrieved 2016-07-15.
  5. ^ "In search of Madagascar's rosewood mafia". BBC News. 20 February 2014. Archived from the original on 17 April 2019. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
  6. ^ "Dalbergia cultrata Benth. — The Plant List". www.theplantlist.org. Archived from the original on 2019-08-09. Retrieved 2016-02-13.
  7. ^ "Cocobolo". Forest Legality. Archived from the original on 2023-01-17. Retrieved 2023-01-17.
  8. ^ "Panama Rosewood Sets". Garnut Guitars. Archived from the original on 2016-12-25. Retrieved 2015-05-20.
  9. ^ "TAXA: Data on a specific chosen botanical species Dalbergia cubiquitzensis ". www.prowebcanada.com. Retrieved August 24, 2020.[permanent dead link]
  10. ^ "Honduran Rosewood | The Wood Database (Hardwood)". Archived from the original on 2023-01-17. Retrieved 2023-01-17.
  11. ^ "Honduran Rosewood | The Wood Database - Lumber Identification (Hardwoods)". www.wood-database.com. Archived from the original on 2018-07-16. Retrieved 2016-10-19.
  12. ^ "Brazilian Rosewood | The Wood Database (Hardwood)". Archived from the original on 2023-01-17. Retrieved 2023-01-17.
  13. ^ "Acacia excelsa". World Wide Wattle. Western Australian Herbarium. Archived from the original on 6 October 2020. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  14. ^ Boland, D.J.; et al. (1984). Forest Trees of Australia (fourth ed.). CSIRO Australia. p. 120.
  15. ^ "Wood Allergies and Toxicity". Eric Meier. January 2009. Archived from the original on 2 May 2014. Retrieved 28 June 2012.
  16. ^ "Dalbergia". ICUN Red List of threatened species. Archived from the original on 6 February 2023. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  17. ^ "Appendices | CITES". cites.org. Archived from the original on 2017-12-05. Retrieved 2023-01-17.
  18. ^ Zhu, Annah Lake (13 January 2020). "Restricting trade in endangered species can backfire, triggering market booms". The Conversation. Archived from the original on 29 July 2020. Retrieved August 24, 2020.
  19. ^ Zhu, Annah Lake (January 2, 2020). "China's Rosewood Boom: A Cultural Fix to Capital Overaccumulation". Annals of the American Association of Geographers. 110 (1): 277–296. Bibcode:2020AAAG..110..277Z. doi:10.1080/24694452.2019.1613955.
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  • Media related to Rosewood at Wikimedia Commons