Diospyros celebica aka Black Ebony

Diospyros celebica is an evergreen tree in the ebony family. Its common names include Indonesian ebony and Makassar ebony. It grows wild only on Sulawesi, an Indonesian island. Useful Tropical Plants places it in the island’s north and centre. It grows in rain forest and monsoon forest. Its range runs from sea level to 1,772 feet [540 metres]. This is a tree of warm, wet tropical lowlands.

The tree grows slowly and can reach a great size. Reference profiles give a height of about 98 feet [30 metres]. PFAF also gives a spread of 98 feet [30 metres]. Both sources report taller trees reaching 131 feet [40 metres]. The trunk is round, with broad buttresses at its base. It can reach about 4.9 feet [1.5 metres] across. Some trunks lack branches for 33–85 feet [10–26 metres]. Their buttresses can rise to 13 feet [4 metres].

This tree does best with warmth through the year. Sources give a preferred mean annual temperature of 22–28°C. They also give annual rainfall of 2,000–2,500 millimetres. PFAF lists USDA zones 10–12 for outdoor growth. The tree needs sun and moist soil with good drainage. It does not cope well with soil that stays waterlogged. It prefers rich soil but grows in several soil types. These include clay, sandy soil, lime-rich ground and shallow stony soil. It accepts mildly acid, neutral and mildly alkaline conditions.

Trees raised from seed may flower and fruit after five to seven years. People gather the edible fruit from wild trees for local use. Fresh seed loses its ability to sprout within a short time. Remove the fruit flesh before sowing, as it can block germination. PFAF advises sowing seed in a shaded nursery bed. Seeds and young plants need regular water to prevent drying. The supplied sources report no known hazards or medicinal uses. They give no species-specific details on pests or diseases.

The wood is hard, dark and marked with brown streaks. Its natural sheen adds to its value for crafted goods. Uses include furniture, cabinets, carving, musical instruments and building work. Timber exports have placed heavy pressure on wild trees. Farmers have also cleared much of its habitat for crops. Illegal cutting continues despite limits on felling. Useful Tropical Plants reports a Vulnerable listing from the 2011 IUCN assessment. Its great size and need for tropical warmth limit garden use.