• Exotic woods come in a variety of textures, colors, patterns and densities, and originate from many different countries. Current regulations prohibit clear-cutting and forest destruction in many of these countries, so harvesting exotic woods is a renewable-resource business wherein cut trees are replaced with new trees, and environmental damage is kept to a minimum. Exotic woods are used for flooring, boat decking, wooden pens, furniture and furniture veneers, dashboards and bowls, among other things.
  
  

Exotic woods from India and Myanmar

• Examples of exotic woods that are grown in India and Myanmar include:
  
  From India: Macassar Ebony--used for carvings, musical instruments, inlays and walking canes, and East Indian Rosewood--used in musical instruments because it provides good acoustics. From Myanmar: Black Palm--which is a hardwood and is used for inlays and wooden utensils like chopsticks or spoons, Black-and-White Ebony--a rare type of ebony hardwood, Red Palm, and Amboyna Burl--which gives off a fragrance and is used for veneers.
  
  

Exotic woods from Africa

• The African continent has a large selection of exotic woods, including:
  
  From South Africa: African Blackwood--a very hard wood favored for making woodwind instruments because it gives off a good tone, and Pink Ivory--a wood with a pink tinge, used for inlays and veneers. From Zimbabwe: Mopane--a dense wood that contains oil that keeps it from splintering. From Northern Africa: Olivewood--a wood that is easy to work with and is used for handles and furniture. From Cameroon: Padauk--a durable wood used for boat and flooring, and Zebrawood--which grows in hard to reach locations and has a distinct striped pattern like a zebra. From Suriname: Purpleheart--a deep-purple-colored wood used for expensive furniture, and Snake Wood--its patterns look similar to snake skin and it is used for inlay. From Tanzania: Tambootie--it has a dark brown color and is used for musical instruments and furniture, .
  
  

The Americas

• The North and South American continents have exotic woods such as:
  
  From Brazil: Tulipwood--a hard, streaked wood used for cabinets and furniture, Yellowheart--has a yellowish color and is used for cabinetry and inlay, and Kingwood--a hard wood that is used for cabinetry, furniture and inlays. From Mexico: Ziricote, Redheart--comes from a shrub, not a tree, and is used for carvings, Bocote--a hardwood used for veneers and furniture, and Cocobolo--a strong wood that is almost waterproof and used for inlays and veneers. From Argentina: Osage Orange--a very hard wood used for furniture, musical instruments and handles. From the United States: Maple Burl--used for paneling and furniture, and Curly Maple--used for carvings, furniture and veneers.