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Lacewood
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| History: | Sir Joseph Banks, the naturalist who accompanied seafaring discoverer Captain James Cook, spotted a rather unique tree species when he arrived in the state of Queensland, Australia, in 1770. The species that was eventually named Grevillea robusta exhibited colorful, toothbrush-shaped blooms. It was about a century later that the tree seen by Sir Banks was found to offer finely figured wood. Its dazzling pattern and hue proved perfect for doors, paneling, rails, and other features of prominent residences and buildings. In fact, the wood's softness to the touch and oak-like appearance prompted the name silky oak. And as such, the wood became exceedingly popular in its homeland and Europe. In North American, however, it came to be called lacewood. |
| Location: | Eastern Australia |
| The Wood: | Planted for shade on coffee and tea plantations; used for ornamental purposes. The pale, pinkish brown heartwood changes to yellow brown when exposed. The distinguishing feature of lacewood is the prominent ray flecks, especially on quartersawn material. Flecks may be small and tight or large and dramatic. Sapwood is cream colored and moderately defined. Grain is straight to wavy. |
| Use: | Used for parquet flooring, joinery, furniture, turnery, decorative veneers, and light construction. |
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