Thuya Burl

(Tetraclinis_articulata)

Africa

Tetraclinis is a distinct genus of evergreen coniferous tree in the cypress family Cupressaceae, containing only one species, Tetraclinis articulata, also known as Sandarac. It is native to northwestern Africa in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, with two small outlying populations on Malta, and near Cartagena in southeast Spain. It grows at relatively low altitudes in a hot, dry subtropical Mediterranean climate.

The resin (sandarac) from the Thuya tree is used to make varnish and lacquer and it is particularly valued for preserving paintings.

Thuya is also commonly referred to as Arartree, alerce, sandarac gum tree, gharghar, thuya d'Algérie, thuya de Barbarie, bois de titre.

This hardwood color varies from a rich, lustrous golden reddish brownto nearly black with heavy small dark 'eyes'. It is very hard, heavy, oily, and aromatic, but tends to be brittle. The eyes, perfectly round, are scattered about in some burls like the figure in bird’s-eye maple; in others they are grouped as islands.

It is the national tree of Malta, where it is known as Gharghar (derived from the Arabic name Araar). It is now being used locally in afforestation projects. Malta populations are listed as critically endangered, and southern Spanish populations as endangered, and northern Moroccan populations as vulnerable.