Completely Arbortrary Ivory & (Ebony)
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Dec 11, 2025 This episode dives into the fascinating world of ebony, exploring its origins in Sri Lanka and its historical significance in trade. The hosts detail the rich biodiversity of Diospyros species and the striking features of ebony wood, including its dark coloration and hardiness. They highlight Bob Taylor's efforts to support sustainable sourcing and combat illegal logging. The fun doesn't stop there; a playful Family Tree game links Batman villains with tree species, blending humor with botanical insights!
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Diospyros: Persimmons Versus Ebonies
- Diospyros species split into two main camps: persimmons (food) and ebonies (wood).
- Many Diospyros species worldwide produce dark heartwood valued as ebony.
How Salon Ebony Looks In The Field
- Salon ebony grows as a medium-to-large evergreen with shiny, coriaceous leaves and pronounced veins.
- Its fruits resemble persimmons with persistent sepals and a star-like base.
Ebony's Broad Rainfall Tolerance
- Salon ebony tolerates wide rainfall ranges from ~30 inches to over 276 inches annually.
- The species is adaptable to dry evergreen tropical forests but can also exist in much wetter climates.
