Karimaram

Planted in the memory of BR Ambedkar on the occasion of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav

Overview & Habitat

Diospyros ebenum, also known as Ceylon Ebony or Coromandel Ebony, is a tree shrouded in mystery and prized for its rare heartwood.
The tree’s ebony wood is known for its unparalleled density, fine texture, and rich jet-black color.
Diospyros ebenum is not only a source of luxury timber but also a species with a complex story of ecological significance, exploitation, and survival.
The tree has long been coveted by artisans and manufacturers for the valuable ebony wood it produces.
Native to Southern India and Sri Lanka, the species faces threats from habitat loss and over-harvesting.
Despite its timber value, D. ebenum plays a crucial role in the forest ecosystems of the Western Ghats and surrounding areas.

Diospyros ebenum is a slow-growing evergreen tree that can tower up to 20-25 m in height.
Its trunk often reaches diameters of over one meter.
The bark is dark gray to black, rough, and fissured, hinting at the valuable ebony hidden within.
The ebony wood is dense, sinks in water due to its extreme heaviness, and has a fine, even grain with a natural luster when polished.
The tree’s leaves are oblong, dark green, simple, and arranged alternately, growing between 6 and 15 cm in length.
The leathery leaves are typical of trees in dry tropical forests, where water retention is vital for survival.
Diospyros ebenum has a straight, unbranched trunk, making it ideal for harvesting large planks of timber.

The flowers of Diospyros ebenum are small and inconspicuous.
The tree is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are found on separate trees.
The flowers appear in the axils of leaves, are creamy white, and mildly fragrant, though they are often overlooked due to the tree’s valuable wood.
Pollination is carried out by small insects attracted to the faint scent and subtle nectar within the blooms.
While not the tree’s most remarkable feature, the flowers are crucial for the species’ survival in the wild, facilitating reproduction and the continuation of its genetic line.

The fruit of Diospyros ebenum is a small, rounded berry, typically no larger than 2-3 centimeters in diameter.
Green when immature, the fruit turns a yellowish-brown hue as it ripens.
Inside the fruit are several seeds, which are dispersed mainly by birds and small mammals that consume the berries.
While the fruit holds no significant commercial value, it plays an important role in supporting wildlife in its native habitat.
The fruit provides sustenance to various forest species, linking the tree to broader ecological networks.

The genus Diospyros contains over 700 species worldwide.
D. ebenum belongs to the family Ebenaceae, known for valuable hardwood species.
The specific epithet “ebenum” comes from the Latin word for ebony, reflecting its prized attribute.
It shares its genus with persimmon, but D. ebenum has no agricultural potential.

Diospyros ebenum’s claim to fame is its heartwood, which has historically been used in high-end furniture, piano keys, knife handles, and intricate carvings.
In ancient times, ebony from this tree was also used to create idols and religious artifacts, symbolizing strength, power, and the mysteries of the unknown.
Today, the wood is still in demand for luxury items, although stringent regulations have been put in place to curb illegal logging and promote sustainability.
Ebony is highly resistant to insects and decay, making it valuable not only for its appearance but also for its longevity.
The tree’s slow growth and over-exploitation have led to its inclusion on the IUCN’s Red List, classifying it as a species under threat.
In Sri Lanka, the harvesting of D. ebenum is now closely regulated, with permits required and reforestation efforts underway to ensure the species does not disappear.

Diospyros ebenum is a natural resource caught between human greed and ecological responsibility.
Over the centuries, vast swathes of its native habitat have been destroyed, and the tree has been harvested to near depletion in some regions.
Logging bans and international trade restrictions have slowed its destruction, but recovery remains slow due to the tree’s slow growth rate.
It may take decades, if not centuries, to replenish forests to their original state.
Despite conservation efforts, illegal logging continues, driven by the high prices ebony commands on the black market.
The challenge lies in balancing conservation efforts with the demands of industries that still value the wood for its unique qualities.