Ebony - what is it, main characteristics, existing types, processing features


Poplars are great for planting in urban areas and parks. They develop rapidly, reproduce quite simply, have a beautiful appearance, some varieties carry healing properties.

Black poplar belongs to the willow family. It grows in Europe, Asia and North Africa. On the territory of Russia, it is also known as the black poplar. This tree grows in flat areas and on the river bank. Best of all, black poplar grows in black soil.

In the wild, it occurs both alone and among other types of trees. The wild poplar grows together with birches, willows and poplars of other species. It takes root well in all weather conditions, calmly withstanding the negative influences of the external environment.

What is ebony?

A plant that grows in the tropics and belongs to the genus Persimmon. The area of ​​growth is Africa, the islands of the Indian Ocean and some territories of India and Asia. Those who are looking for information about what it is ebony should know its peculiarity - natural black color. In addition to wood, its fruits are also popular, which, due to their unusual taste, are used in different cuisines of the world. Other names for the plant are "music tree", ebony and mpingo. Already in ancient times, people considered it magical and used the bark and leaves for various rituals.

Ebony - characteristics

The wood obtained from the core of the trunk can be colored from black to dark green. In addition, ebony is endowed with the following properties:

  1. Hardness. For working with wood, increased requirements are imposed on the strength and sharpening of the tool.
  2. Density is more than 1.3 t / m³, which leads to the fact that ebony sinks in water.
  3. The adhesive properties are high.
  4. The texture of ebony is so uniform that it is impossible to see annual rings or fibers even on close inspection.
  5. Strength and stress resistance helps to withstand high impact loads, but the wood bends easily when exposed to hot steam.
  6. Ebony has immunity to disease and fungus, as well as resistance to weathering.
  7. The hygroscopicity is low due to the high density and fullness of the vessels.

The wood is so unique that it doesn't need much decoration. For an attractive look, a fine polishing sanding is enough. In addition, ebony has the following underestimated indicators:

  • shrinkage degree;
  • oxidation coefficient;
  • expressive texture;
  • stability.

what is ebony

Trees and shrubs with mottled bark

The patchy bark on tree trunks is due to the peeling of the top layer of bark, which has a different color than the bottom layer. In the process of exfoliation, the plant is renewed and rejuvenated. Such plants include plane trees, ligian legestremia, Indian lilac, southern bunge pine and others.

  • Sycamore. Also known as the oriental maple. Refers to a very long-lived plant. In nature, there are specimens dating back over 2000 years. One of these representatives can be seen in Turkey. Scientists have determined its age - 2300 years. It reaches a height of 60 m, the girth of the trunk is 42 m. Sycamore leaves are very similar to maple leaves, but slightly larger.The plant has earned love for its ability to produce thick shade and shelter from the coolness in the sultry heat. Especially popular in Southeast countries with hot climates. The tree is deciduous, grows up to 30 m in height, branches can bend and slope towards the ground. Five-lobed green leaves reach a length of 15 cm and the same width. The fruits of the sycamore tree are nuts that ripen during the winter, break apart in the spring and are blown away by the wind.
  • Lagestremia or Indian lilac. Lagestremia is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Derbennikov family. China is considered its homeland, but you can see it in all corners of the planet. Differs in decorative flowers with a delicate scent and layered bark. Leaves of a dark green color change their color to red or yellow closer to autumn. Flowering begins in mid-summer and continues until the first frost. Flowers are collected in racemose inflorescences up to 40 cm long. The color can be pink, red, purple, white, cream or beige. Grown in southeastern or southwestern areas, both at home and outdoors. It is used to decorate flower beds, flower beds, and park areas. A distinctive feature of the Indian lilac is that it begins to awaken from winter later than other plants and gives the impression of its death. It is considered a medicinal plant that is used to normalize blood sugar levels and to lose weight, as it contains gallic acid, which breaks down fats.

Lagestremia

  • Bunge pine. This tree grows up to 20 m in height, has curved branches and a straight-growing trunk. The bark exfoliates to form a multi-colored camouflage pattern. The color of the bark changes with the age of the tree. Older trees have red, purple or gray tones. Young ones are gray-green or silvery. Leaves are elongated-oval in shape, transmit light well. The needles are hard, dark green in color, fit tightly to each other, up to 9 cm in length. It is a slow growing plant that grows well on light, loose soils with low acidity.

Read: "Openwork" trees and shrubs

Types of ebony tree

Unlike other species, ebony is sold not in cubic meters, but in kilograms. The cost of 1 kg ranges from $ 100-150. The following types are especially popular:

  1. Cameroon
    ... Height 3-4 m. The ripening age is about 550 years. The core is a black shade without gloss, sometimes endowed with ash-gray veins. Due to the fact that the veins are visible, the cost of wood is lower than that of other species.
  2. Ceylon
    ... The classic version of ebony, the description of which indicates a solid dark shade of the core without any pores or stripes. It resembles a stone to the touch, and after polishing it acquires a noble glow. The most valuable craft material.
  3. Indonesian
    ... The second name is makassar. A distinctive feature is considered to be colored stripes (maroon or gold) on a black background. The densest wood.
  4. Madagascar
    ... Shade - charcoal black with a metallic sheen on the cuts. The density of ebony is medium, the core is finely porous. Unlike others, it is endowed with resistance to water and termites.
  5. Lunar
    ... A unique variety found only in the Philippines. Plum wood with thin stripes of dark color, which are woven into an intricate pattern. One of the rarest breeds.

Contraindications

The main limitation in taking a herbal remedy is the presence of an allergy to its components. It is also undesirable to take Po D'Arco in the period of exacerbation of allergic diseases - urticaria, bronchial asthma, hay fever. An absolute contraindication to the appointment of ant tree bark is reduced blood coagulation and hemophilia, otherwise this drug can cause spontaneous bleeding.

Pau D'Arco is forbidden to be consumed by women during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Precautions

For patients who take anticoagulants, funds based on the bark of the Lapacho tree are prescribed with great care, under constant medical supervision and monitoring of hemogram parameters. Preparations containing Po D'Arco are also used no earlier than 14 days after the operation.

Ebony - processing

Sawing and cutting wood is a laborious process that requires the use of tools of high strength and sharpness. The texture of ebony is practically not impregnated with liquids, but the surface is well polished, acquiring a mirror shine. An antiseptic or coloring agent is not needed. Drying of wood is carried out for a long time. A couple of years before cutting, circular notches are applied, which stop the growth process. After the felling, drying is carried out in the shade without drafts. Many types of ebony bend well after hot steaming.

ebony

Species diversity

About 14 species of Strawberry are well known, but the most popular are the following two:

  • Arbutus unedo - Common strawberry tree. Has great fruits;
  • Arbutus andrachne - Red strawberry tree, small-fruited.

For amateur breeding, the first type of plant is often chosen - large-fruited Arbutus. This species is quite thermophilic and does not tolerate frost, therefore, in our latitudes, it can be grown only under the shelter of premises heated in winter. Best of all, the plant feels in large conservatories and greenhouses, but it is quite acceptable to breed it in an apartment or a residential building.

In the latter case, the unusual beauty of Strawberries is especially appreciated. Its branches create an intricate structure, bizarre crowns covered with foliage with a noticeable emerald tint, and at the moment of flowering, the Arbutus of the Rubra species is especially beautiful.

Application of ebony

Due to its high price, this type of wood has never been consumer wood. In ancient times, it was valued on a par with gold. Ebony furniture has been valued since the time of the Egyptian pharaohs. The most sought-after properties are the ability to obtain a perfectly smooth surface after polishing. This result is not possible with any other tree species. Eben visually resembles metal, which is complemented by a tangible cold in contact with its surface.

Drug compatibility

The herbal remedy, due to its synergistic effect on the components of the blood coagulation system, enhances the effects of substances with indirect anticoagulants and heparin. It also increases the antiplatelet properties of aspirin, curantil.

Means Pau D'Arco strengthens the immune system, removes worms and parasites from the body, fights viruses and bacteria. But the bark of the ant tree, in addition to useful properties, has a number of contraindications and is not an official medicine, therefore, a doctor's consultation is required before using it.

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Ebony products

The use of unique wood is aimed at the production of:

  • furniture;
  • parquet;
  • chess pieces and boards;
  • ebony wood is a unique material for souvenirs;
  • billiard cues and balls;
  • various decorations;
  • smoking pipes and cigarette cases;
  • musical instruments;
  • cutlery and knitting needles.

Ebony table

All furniture was handcrafted. Given the high cost of the material, ebony is used only in the visible parts of the product. When deciding which color to choose, remember that ebony is dark and will work well with light woods. Currently, furniture is not produced, because the ebony tree is under protection, and the places of growth are equated with reserves. Modern furniture makers use ebony veneer as a good alternative to solid wood. Bright options include:

  1. A simple office desk with a nice pattern on the surface.
  2. ebony wood processing

  3. Small round coffee table.
  4. ebony furniture

  5. Eating items with thick top and legs.
  6. ebony table

  7. The rectangular table is visually similar to a stone one.
  8. ebony characteristics

Ebony figurine

Such items are very popular with collectors all over the world. Knowing the features of the material, many people want to have a miniature product in their collection. Ebony has an original color and high durability, so the figurines will delight you with their beauty for a long time. It is important to remember that in African culture, each figurine has its own meaning:

  1. The image of an elephant is a symbol of wisdom.
  2. types of ebony wood

  3. The warrior will protect his owner from the energetic attacks of others.
  4. benewood application

  5. The image of a giraffe is a symbol of grace, grandeur and beauty.
  6. ebony figurine

  7. The female statuette is presented to an unmarried girl with the wish of a successful marriage.
  8. ebony texture

  9. The image of a lion is a symbol of nobility, harmony and dignity.
  10. black ebony

Ebony pipe

Connoisseurs of quality tobacco cannot imagine their life without a smoking pipe. The properties of ebony to keep warm and at the same time remain durable have come in handy for the manufacturers of this device. Products are easy to process, while obtaining a perfect front surface. Striking examples of such ebony products include the following options:

  1. Products made entirely of ebony with a flat surface.
  2. density of ebony

  3. The original shape of the shank resembling a flower bud with a mouthpiece made of a different material.
  4. ebony pipe

  5. Chubuk resembling a dark brown shoe with a completely black mouthpiece.
  6. ebony texture

Ebony cross

Ebony is credited with the mystical qualities of rejuvenation and healing. They say that the master carvers not only do not get sick, but are also long-livers, maintaining efficiency and clarity of mind until the last days. In myths, magical properties were attributed to eben, it is believed that an evil spirit cannot be near the owner of any thing made of this material. Based on this, various products began to be made from ebony. Rings and crosses are especially popular. They give their owner strength and, which is very important, health.

Among the striking examples are the following:

  1. A simple product with a carved figure on the surface.
  2. ebony cross

  3. Option with the addition of silver.
  4. ebony products

  5. Wooden product with a silver figurine.
  6. ebony description

  7. Carved cross with inscriptions.
  8. properties of ebony

Properties of Arbutus fruits

The fruits of the plant are widely used not only in cooking, but also in medicine:

  • The flowers of the plant have a diaphoretic effect;
  • From the root system, preparations are prepared for the treatment of the genitourinary sphere;
  • All parts of the plant are widely used in "folk" recipes.

In addition, arbutus also supplies components for the production of natural dyes, and the beauty of its wood allows it to be used for the manufacture of decorative elements of furniture and various handicrafts.

Ebony - interesting facts

The following interesting facts are known about this representative of the fauna:

  1. Significant density is the result of slow growth.
  2. The tree, unlike others, drowns in water.
  3. Thanks to essential oils, it does not lend itself to the negative influence of the external environment.
  4. Ebony parquet is expensive (about $ 400 per square meter);
  5. Ebony wood is twice as hard as oak.
  6. Dust from wood causes an allergic reaction in the body.
  7. Stopping the growth of the tree by cutting in a circle.
  8. Most of the varieties are listed in the Red Book.

Growing black poplar

Black poplar reproduces with seeds, cuttings and root growth... Under normal weather conditions, the tree takes root well and begins to grow actively. The landing area should be flat, with a slight slope possible.

poplar poplar

You should refrain from planting sedge in the lowlands. Salty soil is also harmful for tree growth. Ideally, planting a tree should be carried out in loam, sandy loam and medium friable chernozem.Pay attention to the location of the tree: branched roots lying close to the surface can damage the roadway and underground utilities. It is also important to keep the minimum distance from the walls of houses and fences.

Landing sedge it is carried out in early autumn or spring after thawing of snow covers. The tree hole should measure 0.6 by 0.6 meters. When planting, remember to add organic fertilizers and water the seedling. During the growth of the tree, you need to feed it.

poplar dismissed

On average, the black carp grows by 0.7-1 meter per year. It is necessary to prune damaged shoots annually and loosen the soil. During a drought, poplar seedlings should be actively watered. The tree consumes about 20 liters of water per week.

Poplar propagation through seeds and shoots is easy enough. Cuttings give their first roots a month after planting. After that, they can be planted on a permanent basis. Poplar seeds sprout in 98% of cases. For their growth, it is enough just to plant them in a suitable type of soil and cover them with earth on top.

For lovers of plants and trees, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with another article about a tree - Russian birch.

Derain (Cornus sericea, C. stolonifera)

Another beautiful species of deren is offspring (offspring svidina). In size, it is slightly more compact than white turf and slightly larger than blood-red turf - an adult plant reaches 1.8-2.7 m in height and 2, -3.6 m in width.

Derain offspring varieties Cardinal

Breeders also bred low-growing varieties of scion deer: Kelseyi - up to 90 cm in height, Insanti - up to 1.5 m in height.

Derain offspring of varieties Kelsei (left) and Insanti (right)

As with blood-red turf, the color of the shoots depends on the cultivar. For example, the plants of the popular Flaviramea variety have a bright yellow bark, while the Cardinal bushes have scarlet bark.

Derain offspring varieties Flaviramea

This turf grows quickly and does not require complex maintenance. He loves moist soils, so it can be used in compositions near ponds.

Red Derain (Cornus sanguinea)

Another variety of svidina is blood red (alternative name is red deren). This shrub, just like its "brother", boasts a luxurious red shade of shoots. True, in his case, the color often becomes more reddish, almost orange.

In summer, the foliage of this deren is rich green, and by autumn it acquires a purple-orange hue. Inflorescences, as in the previous species of deren, are white. You can distinguish between these two varieties by their fruits - in blood red they are bluish-black, almost inky.

Maple gray (Acer griseum)

Gray maple is known for its distinctive, showy chestnut-colored flaky bark. Thanks to this distinctive feature, in winter, against the background of a gray sky and snow-covered ground, it looks even more impressive than in summer.

It is worth noting that the autumn colors of this tree also fascinate: the foliage takes on a ruby ​​hue, and this maple looks luxurious without exaggeration.

But this culture is growing slowly. An adult tree reaches 6-10 m in height, and its crown is 4.5-7.5 m in diameter.

Gray maple can withstand frosts down to –40 ° C, and according to some sources - up to –45 ° C.

This culture is planted in sunny or semi-shady areas with moist, loose soil.

Like palm maple, gray maple does not require pruning. If desired, the formation is carried out every 2-3 years in the fall.

Spread

The strawberry tree has a very ancient history. Its petrified branches were found in Jordan. It is mentioned in written sources even before our era. Then it was used to dye wool for making clothes and household items.

Related article: Rollinia mucosa description and features

The strawberry tree is widespread in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions (Abkhazia and the South Coast), in the south and west of Europe, including Ireland and southern Switzerland, America.A large number of species are native to Mexico. The strawberry tree can withstand light frosts, but only for a short time. It grows along the banks of rivers and at the edge of the forest. It is grown in gardens for decoration rather than production needs.

Name of the spruce with purple cones

To be more precise, the tree in question (Latin name - Abies koreana) is not a spruce, but a fir. In everyday life, it can be called differently - Korean fir, Korean spruce and even Korean pine, moreover, sometimes the word "Korean" in all three variations of the name is replaced by "Chinese" or "Karelian". However, in order not to be mistaken when choosing, you need to remember that of the whole variety of names, only two are correct - Abies koreana or Korean fir.

These are synonyms, and they mean the same plant. In the Russian version, it is permissible to call a tree only Korean (or, in extreme cases, Chinese, due to the geographical proximity of these countries) fir. This strict clarification is not given by chance. The fact is that among the varieties of spruces and pines there are species with the name "Korean", but we are talking about plants that are completely different from a botanical point of view, and the cones of these trees have an ordinary brown, not an exquisite lilac color.

So, the Latin name for Korean spruce is Picea koraiensis, Korean pine (also known as Korean or Manchurian cedar or Korean cedar pine) is Pinus koraiensis. But the Karelian pine, with which, due to the consonance of the name, Abies koreana can also be confused, is actually a type of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris).

Did you know? The etymology of the Latin name for fir - "Abies" - is rooted in the Indo-Aryan word "abh", which can be translated as "abundance", "abound". Scientists suggest that this can be explained by the dense needles of the tree or its strong branching, and possibly by both factors.

Finally, Abies koreana looks very similar to another fir - Abies veitchii. This tree is also very decorative and even has purple cones, but it needs a little different care, so it is still undesirable to confuse the plants.

Wind-pollinated (anemorphic) plants

The main difference between a variety of shrubs and trees with the type of catkin inflorescence is the nature of their pollination. In nature in the plant world, this process can be facilitated by the following factors: birds, insects and mammals. And then there's the wind.

Pollinated by the wind, catkins appear on trees in spring with the first rays of the warm sun. This is due to the absence of leaves on the trees, since pollen moves freely on them, reaching the goal.

But wind-pollinated plants are different, with different evolutionary adaptations and principles.

Representatives of such plants are trees from the Birch family.

White Derain (Cornus alba)

White Derain (or White Svidina) is a favorite plant in autumn and winter mixborders. Its cherry-red shoots will add bright accents to the "asleep" garden. For example, we have already offered a version of a beautiful flower garden with turf, heather, erica and herbs.

During one season, this shrub changes its "outfit" several times. In late spring and summer, it is "dressed" in green and white colors: the foliage is covered with small clusters 5 cm in diameter, collected from tiny whitish-cream inflorescences. In autumn, the leaves turn yellow, and the arrival of winter meets the derain in a red "suit".

The fruits of this deren ripen in the middle of summer. Usually they are white, but in some varieties they acquire a bluish-blue tint.

Sometimes white turf blooms again in summer.

The bush will not give you any trouble: it does not get sick, it is not afraid of frost, drought and slight flooding.

The height of an adult plant is 2.4-3 m.

It should be borne in mind that the trimming of the sod depends on your plans for his participation in the garden "symphony". If you want to achieve the maximum spectacular appearance in winter, you need to stimulate the branching of the bush.To do this, cut off a third of old shoots to the ground in early spring. If you want the tree to bloom and bear fruit, do not prune the young shoots.

There are various cultivars of white turf. The most popular of them are Elegantissima, which is notable for green foliage with a white border, Aurea with golden leaves, Sibirica with bluish fruits.

White willow (Salix alba)

Certain types of willow can also be a worthy decoration for a winter garden. For example, white willow, or silvery. Of course, the willow, which has long become familiar, which grows in almost every yard, is unlikely to surprise anyone. But its unusual variety - Vitellina, will certainly attract attention with a bright shade of bare branches.

White willow varieties Britsensis

Willow Vitellina Britzensis will charm you with the fiery orange-red color of the shoots, Yelverton - orange, Golden Ness - golden.

White willow varieties Golden Ness

White willow grows quickly - up to 1.2-3 m per season. An adult tree grows up to 7 m. This must be taken into account when planting.

It is best to plant the plant in sunny areas with moist, loose loamy soil.

White willow Yelverton

White willow is not afraid of frost and drought. In addition, it can be planted near water bodies.

FLOWERING CLOUDS

Forms charming carmine red double roses in dense inflorescences during flowering hawthornPaul ’s
Scarlet '.
At the end of spring, the tree turns into a crimson cloud, arguing in beauty, perhaps only with flowering ornamental apple trees, apricots and other stone fruit crops. They all belong to the same family - pink. In addition to the indicated flowering woody plants, these are bird cherries, rose hips, spireas, almonds, chaenomeles, plums, peaches, cherries, pears, mountain ash and some others.

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