Red Bauhinia

    (Lysiphyllum carronii)

Also known as; Queensland Ebony, Northern Bean tree

  A very common tree around the Highlands, Bauhinia seems to grow in just about any soil type and can get to about 500mm diameter and up to 10 metres high. It's often left behind when clearing grazing country as it makes a good shade tree and can be cut down for fodder during dry times.

It is not unusual these days to see Red Bauhinia growing among swathes of dead trees giving the impression that it is the only species to have survived the drought. The reality however, is that Bauhinia is one of the few species that is unaffected by the pelletised herbicide "Grassland",  that is dropped from planes to kill off large areas of trees quickly and easily - not a practice I like to see!

Bark, leaves and a 'bean'.

A 200mm cross section showing the 'ebony' heartwood. Like spalting, this is just a stage prior to rotting which makes it difficult to stabilise for turning.

The timber is surprisingly hard when dry but turns really nicely while green. It shrinks and moves a bit during drying but microwaves OK. I found it cups and twists a lot when cut into boards so recovery rates would be low. Bauhina sands well and finishes to a good shine. Nice if you like the color.

The vase at left which shows a lot of the 'ebony', was turned across the grain from a crotch so you are looking down into the fork so to speak. 

Back to Top