Ebiara
Scientific name: Berlinia bracteosa
Overview
Ebiara is a lesser-known African hardwood with a reddish-brown color and moderate density. It is used in furniture and interior applications where a stable, workable hardwood is required.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Ebiara
- Scientific Name: Berlinia bracteosa
- Region: African Hardwoods (West & Central Africa)
- Tree Size: 100–130 ft tall, 3–5 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 44 lbs/ft³ (705 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 950 lbf
- Color: Reddish brown
- Grain: Interlocked
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Ebiara is identified by its reddish-brown color and interlocked grain, sometimes producing subtle figure.
Key identification traits include:
- Reddish-brown heartwood
- Interlocked grain
- Moderate density
- Uniform texture
Working Properties
Ebiara is moderately easy to work.
- Machines fairly well
- Interlocked grain may cause tear-out
- Glues and finishes well
- Stable when dried
Safety Note
Dust may cause irritation.
Common Uses
Ebiara is used in applications requiring moderate strength and visual warmth.
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Interior joinery
- Paneling
- General woodworking
Sustainability & Notes
Not widely traded; responsible sourcing is recommended.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Utile – Similar in color but generally more widely used and refined.
Sapele – More pronounced ribbon grain and slightly higher density.
Bubinga – Denser with more dramatic figure and color variation.
Related Guides
Wood Identification
Helps distinguish similar reddish-brown hardwoods.
Understanding Interlocked vs Straight Grain
Important for machining.
Machining Dense Tropical Hardwoods
Provides techniques for working medium-density hardwoods.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Ebiara is typically included as a supporting species in collections, providing comparison within medium-density African hardwood groups.
Share Your Photos of This Species
Do you have lumber, wood samples, tree photographs, woodworking projects, furniture, carvings, turnings, musical instruments, or other items made from this species?
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When submitting photos, please include the common name, scientific name (if known), a brief description, and any information you would like us to share with the image.
Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Related Tools & Products:
HORUSDY 8-Pack Bar Clamps for Woodworking – https://amzn.to/4cx7iHb
Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue – https://amzn.to/4sS0mZO
CRAFT RESIN Crystal Clear Epoxy Resin Kit – https://amzn.to/4w7oj2v
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