Diospyros tessellaria
| Diospyros tessellaria | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Ebenaceae |
| Genus: | Diospyros |
| Species: | D. tessellaria |
| Binomial name | |
| Diospyros tessellaria Poir. | |
Diospyros tessellaria, commonly known as the black ebony or Mauritian ebony, is a species of tree in the family Ebenaceae native to the island of Mauritius. Like other species of ebony tree, Mauritian ebony trees yield a dark black wood. The evergreen Black Ebony trees can reach up to 20 tall and typically produces small flowers and fruits. The thick leaves have a dark green surface and a slightly paler underside.[1]
Exploitation by the Dutch
Vice-Admiral Wybrandt van Warwijck landed on Mauritius on September 17, 1598, thus beginning Dutch involvement with the island. In 1638, settlers from the Dutch East India Company (VOC) attempted to colonize the island and set up an organized ebony business to sell the rare black wood. However, due to issues with cyclones destroying the settlement, rats destroying crops, settlers illegally trading with English ships, and slaves revolting commonly, the Dutch left the island in 1710.[2]
Ebony as a British Import
After the French settled Mauritius in 1721, the British took over the island and Port Louis in 1810. Not only was Mauritius used as a stopping point for ships traveling to India and other parts of Asia, but now it was also used as a major exporter of goods back to London. While the most popular good from Mauritius was sugar by far, the British did harvest a large portion of the ebony forests. The wood was presumably used for carving and decor back in Imperial London.
References
- ↑ "Ebony tree in Mauritius". Mauritius Unconvered.
- ↑ Stanford Department of Anthropology. "History". Mauritian Archaeology.