Asterids: herbs that decided to be trees

Gaboon Ebony, African Ebony, Benin Ebony

Diospyros crassiflora

Height: 50-60ft

Range: Central Africa

A true ebony, Gaboon Ebony is the blackest of black woods only matched by African Blackwood (a rosewood) and Ceylon Ebony. Dense and strong, expect a satisfying noise when you roll.

Munn Ebony, Vietnamese Ebony, Moon Ebony

Diospyros mun

Height: 30-50ft

Range: East side of Indo-Chinese Peninsula

A pleasantly dark true ebony with subtle striping. Not much is known about it unfortunately, since it's an uncommon export from the region compared to other more common woods. Very similar to other ebonies such as Macassar and Kamagong.

Ziricote 

(pronounced "Chee-ree-koh-tay")

Cordia dodecandra

Height: 30-70ft

Range: Mexico through Central America

An interesting dark wood. Popular for its contrasting striping and figure. The spider webbing pattern is the most sought after- unfortunately it does not show up as clearly on small dice as compared to full lumber pieces.

Black and White Ebony, Palemoon Ebony, Malabar Ebony, Gaub Tree

Diospyros malabarica

Height: 50-100ft

Range: Southeast Asia

I bet most people won't guess what colors it is! Among the true ebonies it has the most amazing contrasting coloration. The downside is that it has to be dried slowly and evenly when fresh cut... or it could explode. The density difference between the dark/light wood is significa

Bocote

Cordia elaeagnoides

Height: 65-100ft

Range: Mexico to northern South America

Related to Ziricote and just as beautiful. Compared to it's darker cousin, Bocote has a pleasant brown base with black and yellow-brown striping. Bocote that features small eye-like patterns is the most sought after.

Japanese Blackheart Persimmon, Kaki  

Diospyros kaki

Height: 40-60ft

Range: Japan, China, and Korean Peninsula (cultivated worldwide)

A true ebony, Persimmon can be as dark as Gabon Ebony or nearly as white as Holly but most often is a light brown with black streaks only in the heartwood (giving it the designation as Blackheart Persimmon which can occur in any Persimmon species).

It will be difficult t