Palisander

Rosewood tree

Dalbergia latifolia

Palisander trees with red-purple heartwood are often referred to as ‘rosenholz’. However, the wood turns black within a very short time when exposed to the air. It is therefore often mistaken for ebony.

Red List

Vulnerable

Five different species of rosewood grow in the Masoala Rainforest at Zoo Zurich.

Madagascan palisander trees grow to a height of just 8 to 20 metres. A light-grey bark, up to four centimetres thick, surrounds the trunk. The wood weighs 1.15 tonnes per cubic metre, making it almost twice as heavy as our oak. Felled trees produce coppice shoots and continue to grow for 200 years.

Rosewood is resistant to fungi and insects and is excellent for woodturning and carving. Madagascan rosewood is used in arts and crafts, musical instrument making and veneered furniture.