= a spiny tree up to 6-7 m. high; its leaves are compound, with the leaflets nearly opposite one another on the spine; it grows white flowers that hang in loose clusters, that give way to flat, papery seedpods about 6 cm long and 1 cm wide; found in Africa and locally known as zebrawood; Dalbergia melanoxylon; alternatively: = a tree which grows to 10 m. tall, with evergreen leaves; the inner part of its trunk is black; it is found in India and Sri Lanka: Diospyros ebenum; used by carvers, who inlay the wood with ivory