About African Rosewood
African Rosewood (Guibourtia coleosperma) is one of the most prized and densest hardwoods in Africa — a deep red-brown timber with dramatic figuring, exceptional hardness (2,440 lbf Janka), and the natural resonance properties that make it sought-after for luxury joinery, fine furniture, and high-end musical instruments. Lunix Investments supplies verified, export-compliant African Rosewood from Western Zambia in limited volumes under full ZFC and CITES documentation.
Technical Properties
Common Uses & Applications
African Rosewood's combination of extreme density, natural lustre, and deep colouration places it among the world's elite cabinet-making timbers. Its acoustic properties — similar to Brazilian Rosewood — make it a premium choice for guitar backs, sides, and fingerboards. As a flooring material, its hardness (2,440 lbf Janka) exceeds most tropical hardwoods, delivering exceptional wear resistance in high-traffic luxury interiors.
African Rosewood is harvested in limited, carefully managed volumes. All Lunix Rosewood carries ZFC harvest permits, CITES documentation, and full chain-of-custody records. Given the restricted supply, buyers are encouraged to enquire early and confirm allocation. Our 2:1 replanting commitment applies to all species.
Export Documentation
African Rosewood export requires full CITES documentation. Lunix provides: ZFC permit, CITES certificate, phytosanitary certificate, mill certificate, Certificate of Origin, and EUDR trace-to-forest documentation. EU/UK buyers: EUDR package included as standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is African Rosewood from Zambia legal to export?
Yes, with correct documentation. Guibourtia coleosperma from Zambia is legally exportable under ZFC harvest permits and CITES documentation. Lunix provides complete export compliance documentation including CITES certificates. We do not supply timber without full legal documentation.
What is the difference between African Rosewood and Brazilian Rosewood?
Brazilian Rosewood (Dalbergia nigra) is listed on CITES Appendix I (effectively export-banned). African Rosewood (Guibourtia coleosperma) is a distinct species available for legal export from Zambia with proper CITES documentation. Both are dense, highly figured luxury hardwoods with similar acoustic and aesthetic properties.
Why is African Rosewood stock limited?
Guibourtia coleosperma is a slow-growing species harvested in controlled volumes under ZFC quotas. Lunix currently holds 12 m³. Buyers requiring larger volumes should enquire early to confirm allocation and lead time.
Ready to source African Rosewood direct from Zambia?
Direct forest operator. No brokers. Full export documentation. Custom dimensions available.