Chechen Burl

Metopium brownei (burl figure)

Copper, orange and dark brown figure with densely contorted eyes.

Botanical family: Anacardiaceae
Average dry density: 880 kg/m³ (≈12% MC)
Janka hardness: 2,400 lbf
Native distribution: Mexico, Belize and the Caribbean
Grain & texture: Irregular and swirled in burl sections

Original photograph © Mokurei Studio · physical timber held in the studio collection. Identification supplied by the studio; reference properties are not individual sample measurements.

Material character

Strong contrast and changing reflection through a highly decorative surface.

Notable applications

Handles, small cabinets, turning and premium accents.

Of particular interest

The related living tree is sometimes called black poisonwood due to its irritating sap.

Workshop note

Density and hardness are for normal chechen wood, not measurements of a particular burl. Handling of freshly cut material requires care.

WOOD DATABASE / MATERIAL PROPERTIES ↗KEW SCIENCE / TAXONOMY INDEX ↗

Wood identification is provided by the Mokurei Studio collection, not independently laboratory-verified. Technical figures are reference averages, not measurements of the photographed piece; they vary with provenance and moisture.