Desert Ironwood (Olneya tesota) is found in the Sonora desert between southern California, Arizona and northern Mexico. The wood is scarce due to protection regulations and the removal of dead wood is strictly regulated.
The tree takes centuries to grow to full maturity; thereby, the wood is extremely hard, dense and heavy. Desert Ironwood was used by the Seri Indians for tool handles, arrowheads and traditional carvings. The wood displays flamboyant golden brown to nearly black colours, beautifully contrasting against yellowish-white sapwood. The straight grained wood of the tree is unique, but its spectacular burl with wavy and curly figure accompanied by high contrasting colours make it incomparable to any other wood on earth.
Small holes, hairline cracks, gum pockets and bark inclusions as common with all burls may occurr. They can be filled easily and quick with thin super glue, synthetic resin and some dark saw dust if necessary.
