Manzanita Burl

Description

Manzanita burl is the most architectural wood we sell. The burl at the base has dense, swirling figure that catches light differently from every angle, and the branches above it are thin and brittle in a way that reads as genuine age.

For layouts with one subject

This is a centrepiece material. Buy one good piece and build around it rather than buying three mediocre ones. Photograph it against a white wall from four angles before you commit — burl pieces have a clear best side.

Handling

Manzanita is harder and more brittle than spider wood. Branches snap rather than bend, so do not force a piece into a tank that is 2 cm too narrow. It is slow to waterlog: expect two to four weeks, or weight the base with a stone permanently.

Colour

Pale tan when dry, warming to a deep red-brown once submerged. It releases very little in the way of tannins compared with Malaysian wood.

Specifications

Natural burl, sandblasted and kiln-dried. Typical length 30–55 cm. Supplied as a single unique piece — the photograph on this listing represents the grade, not the exact specimen, so ask us for current photographs before ordering if you need a specific shape.