This contrasty African relative of rosewood has a deep brown background with notable dark brown to ebony streaking and a nice natural luster. Outside Africa, it’s increasingly used as a more affordable substitute for walnut. Produced in both quarter and flat cut veneers, this intense and well-veined veneer is in demand for high-end architectural settings–the stronger the veining, the more valuable the wood. Due to its excellent tonal qualities, the wood is prized for the production of musical instruments.