Description: A slow-growing evergreen tree valued for its extremely dense, dark heartwood. Leaves are simple and leathery.

Identification: Tall woody tree; dark, dense heartwood; simple glossy leaves; small flowers and fruits.

Habitat & distribution: Tropical South Asian forests, particularly associated with Sri Lanka and southern India.

Uses / importance: Historically highly valued for fine furniture, musical instruments and decorative woodwork. Important as a forest species.

Taxonomy:
Kingdom – Plantae
Clade – Angiosperms
Clade – Eudicots
Order – Ericales
Family – Ebenaceae
Genus – Diospyros
Species – D. ebenum

Sources: Kew POWO; IPNI; botanical literature.