Black Indian Palmira, sometimes called "Porcupine Wood" or "Kitul", is a heavy, dramatically figured wood, characterised by hard, very dark, almost black streaks, interlaced with light, cream/grey background and crossed at regular intervals by horizontal "bars". The timber is notoriously difficult to turn, but when this is done properly, as you will see in the illustrative example to the right, is very, very special indeed. The best will be brought out in it by careful oiling, but an equally acceptable finished appearance may be attained through the application of a quality hardglaze lacquer.
23 / 18mm taper.