Tamboti/ African Sandalwood

Tamboti is a highly prized African hardwood known for its rich golden-brown to reddish-brown heartwood, accented with darker streaks and subtle figure, creating a striking visual impact in every piece. Native to southern Africa, Tamboti is valued for its density, stability, and natural luster, making it a favorite for artisan woodworking and luxury crafts.

This dense and durable wood machines, turns, and sands beautifully, revealing its deep, warm tones and subtle chatoyance. Its hardness and dimensional stability make it ideal for pen blanks, knife handles, small turned objects, inlays, and decorative accents, delivering both functional strength and aesthetic elegance.

Botanical Information

Scientific Name: Spirostachys africana

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Origin: Southern Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe)

Common & Trade Names

Tamboti, African Spirostachys, African Rosewood (trade usage, not a true rosewood), Tamboti Wood

Workability & Characteristics

Dense, strong, and stable

Fine texture with natural luster

Machines, sands, and finishes well

Naturally durable and long-lasting

Unique color and figure in every piece

Health & Safety Note

Tamboti contains toxic sap; its dust and wood may cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation, and contact with raw sap can be toxic. Always use dust extraction, respirator, gloves, and eye protection when working with this wood.

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