Dalbergia oliveri


Dalbergia oliveri is a species of legume in the family Fabaceae which grows in tree form to 15 – 30 meters in height. The fruit is a green pod containing one to two seeds which turn brown to black when ripe. The trees are found in Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Common names throughout S.E. Asia are: Cambodian: "Neang Nuon", Thai: "Mai Ching Chan", Laos: "Mai Kham Phii", Myanmar: "tamalan", and Vietnamese: "cẩm lai" or "trắc lai". It is threatened by habitat loss and over-harvesting for its valuable red lumber.

Uses

The wood of this rosewood-family tree is valuable for ornamental work including Woodturning and furniture. The sapwood is yellowish-white with dark brown heartwood. The heartwood is very hard and heavy. The lumber is sold under the names Burmese rosewood, Laos rosewood, and Asian rosewood.