A Chinese Wood Species, Hongmu and Its Characteristics for Identification

A chinese wood species called China Hongmu, is an excellent wood to make high quality furniture owing to attracting color, beautiful grain, and durability. Hongmu is not a tree or wood species name. The general designation in Hongmu group is a similar to one of its density, structure, color and use. Hongmu considers more than 30 hardwood species of Pterocarpus, Dalbergia, Diospyros, Millettia, and Cassia. According to the macrostructural characteristics and properties, Hongmu group can be classified into 8 groups which are Zitanmulei, Hualimulei, Heisuanzhimulei, Hongsuanzhimulei, Xiangzhimulei, Wumulei, Tiaowenwumulei and Jichimulei. In this paper, the growing areas, scientific names and identifiable characteristics of these Hongmu group species were introduced for help to identify China Hongmu and its products in the market as well.