Zebrawood

The name originally applied to the wood of Astronium graveolens,[citation needed] a large tree native to Central America.

In the 20th century, the most important source of zebrawood was Microberlinia brazzavillensis, also called zebrano, [citation needed] a tree native to Central Africa.

[1] In his History of Jamaica (1774), Edward Long relates, "The species of zebra wood at present in esteem among the cabinet-makers is brought to Jamaica from the Mosquito shore; it is of a most lovely tint, and richly veined..."[2] The Mosquito Coast thereafter exported zebrawood regularly until the Convention of London (1786) and the consequent expulsion of British settlers from this part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain.

[citation needed] An alternative name which occurs in 18th century British sources is palmaletto or palmalatta, from palo mulatto, which was the local name for the wood.

This species, Astronium fraxinifolium, is native to northern South America, especially north-eastern Brazil.

The wood of Microberlinia (also known as Zebrano) is imported from central Africa, (Gabon, Cameroon, and Congo).