SNEEZEWOOD - (Ptaeroxylon obliquum) also known as Mwandara native to Southern Africa it grows to 50-65 feet tall and 1-2 feet in diameter. Heartwood which is generally comprised of light to medium golden brown hues (although the brownish hues can sometimes be dark, toward the tree’s center)
Common uses are exterior construction, fence posts, furniture, musical instruments (xylophones), carving, turned objects, and other small specialty wood items.
Sneezewood has a distinct, highly irritating, pepper-like smell and should be handled with care, respiratory protection should be used when turning or working to avoid violent sneezing attacks which the wood’s sawdust is known to cause. Please note this is the sawdust ONLY that causes this reaction, a finished piece is fine and safe.
NOTE on Sneezewood, considered to be one of the most durable, bug and rot resistant woods in the world, having been classified as "Imperishable" in its native South Africa. The wood has been found to outlast both iron and brass when used as machinery bearings. , it has been utilized in a variety of functional roles in south / southwest Africa.
Common uses are exterior construction, fence posts, furniture, musical instruments (xylophones), carving, turned objects, and other small specialty wood items.
Sneezewood has a distinct, highly irritating, pepper-like smell and should be handled with care, respiratory protection should be used when turning or working to avoid violent sneezing attacks which the wood’s sawdust is known to cause. Please note this is the sawdust ONLY that causes this reaction, a finished piece is fine and safe.
NOTE on Sneezewood, considered to be one of the most durable, bug and rot resistant woods in the world, having been classified as "Imperishable" in its native South Africa. The wood has been found to outlast both iron and brass when used as machinery bearings. , it has been utilized in a variety of functional roles in south / southwest Africa.