Diospyros tessellaria aka Black Ebony

Diospyros tessellaria is native to Mauritius. This evergreen tree belongs to the ebony family, Ebenaceae. People call it black ebony or Mauritian ebony. It grows in the island's wet tropical climate. It forms a major part of some lowland evergreen forests. It also grows in rainforest higher in the mountains. These sites lie in the southwest and east. In these forests, it is one of the island's native woody plants.

Sources call it a shrub or small tree. One gives a height of about 49 feet (15 metres). Others give a top height of 66 feet (20 metres). The evidence does not show its usual size in gardens. Its thick, dark green leaves stay on all year. Both its bark and heartwood are black. The sapwood is white, in contrast to these dark parts. Its flowers are small, and so are its fruits.

The fruit has a recorded use as food. The sources do not say how to prepare it. Nor do they say how much to eat. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known hazards for this species. This does not prove it is safe for people or pets. That source also lists no known use as medicine. Plants For A Future says the tree draws wildlife. The accounts describe its dense, dark leaves and contrasting wood. They give no more details on its use in landscapes.

The wood has long had value as timber. Makers use it for keys in musical instruments. They also make small pieces of furniture from it. They use it in marquetry to make patterns with wood. The wood trades by the name Mauritius ebony. Useful Tropical Plants reports exports and loss of forest habitat. It notes poor regrowth where people have harmed the habitat. Its entry on the tree's status cites a 2010 assessment. That assessment lists the tree as Vulnerable.

Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 10–12. Growing it from seed needs care. Seeds soon lose their power to sprout. Remove the fruit flesh; it holds substances that hinder sprouting. Sow fresh seed in a shaded nursery bed. The stated mix uses three parts soil. It also has one part fine sand. Do not let seeds or young seedlings dry out. Seeds may start to sprout within a week. Yet one trial took 17–65 days. These nursery needs do not show what mature trees need.