Pink ivory

In this article we will explore Pink ivory from different perspectives, analyzing its impact on current society, as well as its historical relevance and possible future development. We will delve into its origins and evolution, examining its influence in different areas of daily life. Through interviews, studies and analysis, we will try to shed light on the importance of Pink ivory and how it has shaped the world we know. In addition, we will examine different opinions and points of view to offer a complete and enriching vision on this topic. Join us on this journey of exploration and inquiry about Pink ivory.

Pink ivory
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Rosales
Family: Rhamnaceae
Genus: Phyllogeiton
Species:
P. zeyheri
Binomial name
Phyllogeiton zeyheri
Synonyms[2]
  • Berchemia zeyheri (Sond.) Grubov
  • Rhamnus zeyheri Sond.

Pink ivory (Phyllogeiton zeyheri), also called red ivory, purple ivory, umnini or umgoloti, is an African hardwood used to make a variety of products (for example: billiard cues and knife handles).[3] The pink ivory tree grows predominantly in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Northern Botswana and South Africa.[2] The tree is protected and sustainably maintained in South Africa, only felled by very limited permit.[4][5] The wood is extremely hard, with a density of 990 g/dm3.

Usage

Pink ivory was the royal tree of the Zulu people[6] and only members of the royal family were allowed to possess it until the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. Before the Anglo-Zulu War, the Zulu king (and prior to 1818, Zulu chiefs) would possess a pink ivory Knobkerrie (a stick with a knob at one end) and also wear jewellery made from precious pink ivory wood. According to rumour, non-royals who possessed the wood would summarily be put to death. After Zululand fell to the British and was separated into 13 separate "kinglets" in 1883, all vying to retake control of what was once theirs precedent to the onset of apartheid, the pink ivory wood became much less important a sign of control than genuine control could be.

The pink ivory tree produces a yellow, brownish, reddish, or purplish drupe fruit that is delicious to taste. Other parts of the tree have been used traditionally as remedies and medicines.

Pink ivory is often cited as one of the most expensive woods in the world, along with African blackwood, sandalwood, agarwood and ebony.[7][8]

  • Flowers
    Flowers
  • Seeds
    Seeds
  • Fruit
    Fruit
  • Sombre greenbul (Andropadus importunus) on the eastern shore of Lake Sibayi, feeding on the fruit of the red ivory.
    Sombre greenbul (Andropadus importunus) on the eastern shore of Lake Sibayi, feeding on the fruit of the red ivory.

References

  1. ^ Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI).; IUCN SSC Global Tree Specialist Group. (2020). "Berchemia zeyheri". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2020: e.T61957049A146444651. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T61957049A146444651.en. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  2. ^ a b "Phyllogeiton zeyheri (Sond.) Suess". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  3. ^ "Berchemia zeyheri | PlantZAfrica.com". www.plantzafrica.com. Retrieved 2017-08-04.
  4. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-11-10. Retrieved 2014-11-10.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  5. ^ Fisheries, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and. "Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries > Branches > Forestry & Natural Resources Management > Forestry Regulation & Oversight > Sustainable Forestry > Protected Trees". www.daff.gov.za. Retrieved 2017-08-04.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. ^ "Berchemia zeyheri | PlantZAfrica.com". www.plantzafrica.com. Retrieved 2017-08-04.
  7. ^ "Top 10 Most Expensive Woods in the World". Salpoente Boutique. 18 November 2016. Retrieved 19 September 2020.
  8. ^ "11 Most Expensive Woods in the World". Ventured. 22 July 2020. Retrieved 19 September 2020.