Hi Folks,

In case anyone is interested, X. melanoxylon grows on two provinces in the Solomon Islands, Choiseul and Isabel . The timber from this tree is exceptionally hard and dense. The three pieces that I have measured had densities of {1300, 1260, 1300} kg/m^3. In any event, this is as dense as the more famous Man(g)kono (Xanthostemon verdugonianus) from the Philippines. Most of the Xanthostemon melanoxylon is being harvested from the San Jorge Island in the Solomon Islands. Go to Google Maps ( Google Maps ) and enter these coordinates: 8.447 S, 159.592 E. Zoom in and look at the forests on the tiny island (5 miles by 10 miles). I wonder what will be left in 20 years ...