Thuya Burl Information - Interesting Facts About Thuya Burl Wood

THUYA BURL FACTS

When it comes to Thuya Burl, the revered wood of Morocco, the "eyes" clearly have it. Clusters of small black dots, or "bird's eyes," often accentuate this handsome wood.

Indigenous to the hot, dry region of the western Mediterranean, Thuya Burls actually grow underground on the roots of Tetraclinis articulata trees. One of the few conifers able to coppice (sprout new shoots from the stumps of trees that were cut down, burned in fires, or eaten away by livestock), old Tetraclinis articulata trees, having sprouted repeatedly over the years, oftentimes grow very large burls — some weighing up to 1,000 lbs. Exactly how these burls were first discovered — particularly in Morocco, where most of the trees (or stumps of trees) are located in the Atlas Mountains and the burls must first be unearthed and then carried down the mountains on donkeyback — can only be imagined. It's easy to understand, though, why Thuya Burl is considered something of a national treasure in Morocco.

Thuya Burl Salt and
Pepper Shakers by
Bruce M. of Washington

Tetraclinis articulata Tree Located High Atop the Atlas Mountains

Thuya Burl wood has been utilized by woodworkers and woodturners for, literally, centuries. In fact, it's mentioned in the Bible, as "Thyine" wood (which consequently makes it a favored wood of makers of religious items). Thuya Burl is naturally resinous and oily, and emits a cedar-like aroma — which is especially noticeable when it's being cut. The wood's average specific gravity is about 0.67, and it's considered a "soft" wood, as are all conifers.

A Whole Thuya Burl

Thuya Burl carves, turns, and polishes well. Although its inherent knottiness and twisted grain make tear out somewhat likely when cutting pieces on the lathe, frequently sharpened gouges generally produce good results.

Due to the unfortunate overharvesting of Thuya Burls in Morocco — and because local artisans (particularly in the Essaouira region) rely heavily on the wood to produce trinkets to sell to tourists — the Moroccan government has prohibited the exportation of Thuya Burl wood. So, you may ask, how did we get our stock? Well, we'll never tell!

Of note: The color of Thuya Burl wood will inevitably darken over time, losing some of its orange-red tint, with exposure to sunlight.

THUYA BURL TIDBITS

The resin from Tetraclinis articulata trees is often used to preserve paintings.

Tetraclinis articulata is the official national tree of the island of Malta.