African Padauk

Thetimber knowns as Padauk came from West Africa, mainly Cameroons and Nigeria, and from the Andaman Islands. This was turned from a piece of wood that was discarded after being used to prevent damage by steel straps holding a shipment of plants together!

It is an excellent boat building wood: "Lively Lady", Sir Alex Rose's boat that he sailed single-handed around the world was made of Padauk. The finial lid and collar are turned from African Black Wood.

Total height is 4.25". Diameter is 2.25" at widest.

Cape Ash urn

S.A. Tree No 298. Medium to large semi-deciduous tree; sexes different on different plants; ocurring in coastal and mountain forests.

The piece that this urn was turned from is heavily spalted; part of the decaying process.The fungi that attack the wood cause the striking black lines because normally the wood is blonde and bland. This piece was about to disintegrate.

The bigger member of the collection. 5.5" tall, and almost 2.5" at widest.

Wild Olive urn

S. A. Tree No 617, a sub-species of Olea Europaea. A small to medium sized evergreen tree, occuring in a wide range of habitats, usually on rocky hillsides or on stream banks. Reverse side is much plainer, with some natural tiny wood cracks.

This little urn was turned from an old fence post after the fences in some areas had been taken down to allow for the formation of game reserves.

Yes, it is completely hollowed out with an extremely fine lip - all from the same piece! 4.5" tall, and almost 2.5" at widest.

Note: Ivory is part of the name. No real ivory from elephants involved.. as we patiently explained to import customs!

Wild Olive container with lid

S. A. tree number 617. This piece was turned from an old fence post after the fences were taken down to allow the development of a game reserve.

The cabuchon in the top was cut from a petrified tree and then polished to point where it almost looks like a giant tiger's eye stone. The Wild Olive reflects the colors of the fossilized wood.

5.25" tall, and almost 2.25" at widest. As smooth and clean inside as it is outside. Shell only 1/16" thick but still very strong. Lid fits very tightly.