The Coolibah tree (Eucalyptus microtheca) produces one of the hardest and strongest timbers in the world. This species is widely distributed over Northern Australia, commonly found along rivers and heavy soils of flood plains. Coolibah (pronounced Cool-a-bah) is also referred to as Flooded Box, and Western Coolibah. This species is exceptional in that it grows throughout a very large area of Australia, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, excluding Victoria and Tasmania. In these areas it prefers to inhabit seasonally flooded stream banks and riverbeds. It has bark that can be smooth with white or gray coloration or rough and fibrous with gray to gray-black coloration. It has been grown in the Southwestern United States for some time, including arid regions that can get quite cold.
Brown Mallee burl is an incredible species with beautiful color and figure. This native Australian timber has a distinctive mix of golden brown heartwood with contrasting white sapwood. The wood is dense and easily yields a smooth, durable finish with light sanding. This rare lumber offers a natural, artistic palette for any artisan. Burl squares and bowl blanks have tight figure and colors that are ideal for boxes, spindles, pens, knives, and other fine articles. Burl eyes may develop generally small incursions but are commonly very small. Be prepared to fill the incursions with epoxy or a mixture of epoxy and minerals like Turquoise or other fine choices which can be found on our website.
