With a surface area of 587,041 km2, Madagascar is an island divided between green and red on a map. Its two colours are also its flag, the brightness of its flora and its red earth. Many of these trees are known the world over and are one of the island’s main treasures.

In this article, we take a look at the woods that are specific to the island, their uses and their special characteristics.

Eucalyptus wood

Found throughout most of the island, eucalyptus wood is much appreciated by the Magache population for its rapid growth. Plantations extend over x hectares on the island of Madagascar, and the tree can reach up to 60m on some plantations.
Because of its low water requirements, the plant grows in all types of soil. The plant does not fear the island’s cold, nor the high heat peaks.
It is a multi-purpose tree, with a wide range of applications, all of which make it a popular choice for planting in Madagascar.
The tree is also found in other countries, including Australia, Portugal, South Africa, the United States, Argentina and Brazil. Botanically, it is a member of the Myrtaceae family, and a close cousin of the guava and clove trees.
Its scientific name is eucalyptus and there are a dozen subspecies of the plant. They are distinguished by the colour of their wood.
Eucalyptus wood is very popular in Madagascar.

Rosewood

With its scientific name of aniba rosaeodora, rosewood is a red wood that is very popular for its robustness. It is a rare species and is protected by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). The term “rosewood” is a literal translation of the term “redwood”, which is used in English to refer to red woods in general.
As well as being used for its wood, rosewood also produces an oil that is highly prized for its rare fragrance. Its foliage and branches can be distilled to produce a highly sought-after oil.
Rosewood was very popular in the 18th century, particularly for its use in marquetry. Rosewood is found in the north-east of the island.

Pine tree

Known worldwide for its many uses, including paper, resin, food and furniture, pine is one of Madagascar’s commoners. It is found planted all over the island, especially near the lavaka, a geological fissure.
The tree is a conifer appreciated for its roots and rapid growth.
The genus pinus, from the Pinaceae family, is not, however, a tree that is used daily by locals. Its main role with the locals is as fuel – charcoal, or margotins.
Its pine cones are often used by children as play accessories.

Ebony wood

Very dark red in colour, ebony is a rare wood from the forest of Madagascar. This precious wood has a heart that glistens when exposed to light.
It is also a wood that arouses passions: much superstition revolves around the tree, which is said to inspire courage, strength and agility, as well as power, purity and luck.
It is a rare wood that was widely used in Europe and France between the 17th and 18th centuries. Its scientific name in Madagascar is diospyros perrieri.

Rosewood

Rosewood, whose scientific name is dalbergia, is a rare wood that can range in colour from light to dark brown. It is generally found on the east coast of Madagascar. Its density is between 0.85 and 1.00, so it barely floats in water.
Madagascar rosewood is a protected wood, and logging has been banned since 2013.
Rosewood is also found in Brazil, India and America.
For wedding anniversaries, rosewood symbolises the 65th birthday.

Wild daisy

Much sought-after for its wood, brachylaena is a tree that grows in the forests of Madagascar. It can grow to 40 metres and is home to many species.
It grows as a dominant tree in the region where it is established.
The tree is also found in continental Africa, particularly in southern regions.
The tree has alternate leaves, and is a dioecious species with separate individuals. The flower heads are disc-shaped. Individuals with female flowers are larger than those with male flowers.

Weinmannia multiflora

Wood is relatively easy to work, both with machine tools and by hand. Weinmannia multiflora is known as “lalona”. The tree grows to an average height of 30 m, and is found in Central and South America, tropical Asia, the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand and the Comoros.