Grenadill

Grenadill, also known as grenadilla, is the timber of Dalbergia melanoxylon, commonly called African blackwood. It is a dense, hard, dark hardwood highly valued for its tonal properties and fine texture. The heartwood ranges from dark brown to nearly black, with a uniform, fine grain that accepts finishes well. The wood is among the densest and most stable used for specialty applications.

The species is native to sub-Saharan Africa, where it grows as a medium-sized tree in savanna and woodland regions. It can be slow-growing and long-lived, contributing to its high density and limited wild supply. Because of its desirability for high-precision work, the tree has faced significant harvesting pressure in many areas.

Uses of grenadill are dominated by music instrument making. African blackwood is the premier material for woodwind instruments, especially clarinets and oboes, where its rigidity, density, and smooth bore contribute to clear projection and intonation. It is also used for other wind instrument components and for high-quality turns and carvings, including piano keys and decorative objects.

Conservation and trade are of ongoing concern. Overexploitation, habitat loss, and limited natural regeneration have reduced wild populations. Dalbergia melanoxylon is listed under international trade restrictions in many regimes, and CITES controls apply to many Dalbergia species. Sustainable forestry practices and cultivation programs have been developed to balance economic value with conservation.

Grenadill remains a symbol of premium tone wood in instrument making, reflecting both its technical properties and the broader challenges of hardwood conservation.