The wood called Snake Bean comes from a mediumsized tree (Bobgunnia Madagascariensis, also B. fistuloides) growing in southern Africa, which is common in Zambia and Zimbabwe, where it is known as Ndale. The wood of this tree is of extreme hardness, density and very high weight: typical weights are around 1000 kg/m3. HM-tipped tools are required for processing. When freshly cut, the wood has an intense pink to orange-red color, often interspersed with lighter streaks. The exceptionally wide range of colors ages to dark red purple hues with distinctive, often wavy grain. Snake bean wood is very easy to turn and polishes to a high natural luster. It is used for its decorative effect from general joinery and furniture making to jewelry boxes, toys and musical instruments.
