AMBROSIA MAPLE
# 240
There is a fungus among us.....
The wonderfully fascinating pattern found in Ambrosia Maple is the result of a fungus, and in this case the fungus is a creative one that makes its distinctive mark on the wood, but does not damage it!
Actually, the work begins through the efforts of the Ambrosia Beetle, an interesting little critter that finds itself very much at home in the xylem of both hard and soft wood trees... they particularly like Soft Maples or Oaks that are recently dead or dying. The beetles excavate tunnels in the trees. The tunnel networks are most often evidenced by tiny, structurally sound pinholes. Then the beetles go to work cultivating fungal gardens by releasing spores of the Ambrosia fungus onto the tunnel walls. These fungal gardens are a sole source of nutrition for the beetles. The relationship between the beetles and the fungus is one of nature's neat little examples of symbiosis.
Interestingly, while the beetle is busy growing and cultivating the garden a second fungus is being left behind. This is the source of the intriguing gray-green, or blue-black streaking that stains the tree and results in the classic Abrosia pattern highly sought by creative wood workers.
After underdstanding a bit about thier development, it is clear that Ambrosia stains are sort of special, and not something that are located every day. ! In addition to the great presentation of the Ambrosia figure, this log represents some note-worthy measurements.
The flitches range in length from 9 to 10 feet and many exceed an
incredible 30 inch width!!
We at HORIZON are very excited by this great find that is
being showcased as our June Item of the Month...
InteSorestingly
This is one of those special logs that generates a sense of excitement in the sawyer's booth. Every slice of the saw reveals another layer of fantastic wood. This is one spectacular log that displays the wonderful Ambrosia pattern through and through!!
We kept the thickness large on this one. The bulk of the wood is a generous 10/4", allowing the user ample space for recutting, or providing a thick flitch for a final application. Due to the heavy thickness, this will take a long time to process through the kiln. We had to create a special drying schedule to allow our gentle hot water heat to carefully dry the wood through its entire dimension. It is a slow process that requires patience. Our slow, careful drying will probably keep this selection 'cooking' in the kiln for the next several months. So, you have lots of time to plan for this treasure.
Stay tuned...final measurements will be collected after the dryng is complete.!
for more information on this special selection
email us at hwp@horizonwood.com or call 814-772-1651.
Office hours are 8-4 EST.
ITEM OF THE MONTH ARCHIVES:
