Laurel

A South American tree, this variety of Laurel grows to immense size in the Cordilleran foothills of Chile. Where, historically, it was used by the native Mapuche people for treating headaches. Today, it’s not only harvested for its medicinal use but as an exotic timber for high-end decorative applications. 

In fact, in the mid 1990’s, the automobile industry discovered the rare beauty of Laurel Burl to be an excellent alternative to Myrtle Burl. Since then, high-end German car manufacturers have imported large quantities of the Chilean species for use in their dashboard facia designs.

Visually, there’s little demarcation between the sapwood and the heartwood, which is yellowish brown with greenish, grey, and purplish streaks. And the other-worldly figure is absolutely amazing, defined by tight, decorative burls, swirls, and prominent eyes.

Which makes it quite popular for other high-end applications, like architectural interior woodwork, decorative furniture, and beautiful veneer.