Heartwood is a medium to dark brown, to nearly black, with ligher brown contrasting stripes, sometimes with a red or yellow hue. The striping is due to very wide parenchyma bands, which can give it an appearance somewhat similar to Wenge, though Pheasantwood’s stripes tend to be lighter and with better contrast, especially once a finish has been applied.
Grain can be interlocked or wavy, with a coarse texture. Pores naturally filled with resinous material which creates a smoother surface than other open-grained woods with large pores. Good natural luster.
Diffuse-porous; large to very large pores in no specific arrangement, few to very few; solitary and radial multiples of 2-3; reddish brown gum deposits abundant; parenchyma confluent, with wide bands of parenchyma typically as thick as the pores; narrow rays, spacing normal.
Produces moderaately good results with hand and machine tools, though Pheasantwood has a high cutting resistance, and also produces a pronounced blunting effect on cutters. Glues, turns, and finishes well.
Cavities within the wood can sometimes contain a powder that causes eye and skin irritation. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.
Reported to be rare, and not commonly available. Usually only available as small turning squares and short lumber. Expect prices to be in the upper range for an imported hardwood.
So named for the wood’s resemblance to the coloration and patterns found on the tail-feathers of pheasants. Pheasantwood exhibits the most figure on flatsawn sections of wood.ph
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