Maple lumber collection
Clean, pale domestic alternative for furniture and utility builds.
View optionCape Holly Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood
Cape Holly is best understood by how it looks, how it works, and where it should be used. This guide explains the practical buying details before sending you to the right Kingma products.
Scientific nameIlex mitis
Janka hardness1,100 lbf
Average dried weight40 lb/ft³
Best fitSmall novelty items
Overview
Why choose Cape Holly?
Cape Holly is an imported specialty hardwood. Grows across Africa. Used for small novelty items, turned objects, broom and brush handles, piano keys (dyed black), furniture and inlays.
Scientific nameIlex mitis
DistributionGrows across Africa
ShrinkageRadial: 4.9%, Tangential: 10.5%, Volumetric: 16.0%, T/R Ratio: 2.1
DurabilityIt is rated perishable or non-durable, and it is open to insect attack.
Cape Holly colour, grain, and figure
Knots are common and can cut into the usable area. Ideal lumber is uniformly pale white with almost no visible figure.
Irregular, interlocked grain; texture is uniform, medium to fine, with moderate natural shine.
Working notes
Interlocked grain and plentiful knots can make it hard to work. Glue, stain and finish all take well; stained black, it is sometimes used in place of Ebony.
No health effects beyond the usual risks of any wood dust have been linked to Holly.
Cape Holly should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Cape Holly
Best projects
Used for small novelty items, turned objects, broom and brush handles, piano keys (dyed black), furniture and inlays.
Use caution
Avoid specifying it by name alone; confirm board size, moisture, colour, figure, and the project environment before buying.
Finish strategy
Test finishes on offcuts first, especially when colour, blotching, outdoor exposure, or grain filling matters.
Buying note
Choose boards, slabs, plywood, blanks, or posts based on the project rather than species name alone.
Shop path
Buying Cape Holly from Kingma
Start with the direct species match when Kingma sells it. If stock rotates, use the closest live collection or a clearly explained alternative.
Live edge slabs
Use when the customer cares more about slab format and visual impact than this exact species.
View optionSimilar woods and alternatives
If Kingma does not have an exact match online, use the buying links below as practical alternatives only when the colour, grain, hardness, or project environment makes sense.
Cape Holly FAQ
What is Cape Holly best used for?
Used for small novelty items, turned objects, broom and brush handles, piano keys (dyed black), furniture and inlays. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Cape Holly beginner friendly?
It depends on density, grain direction, and tooling. Test cuts on offcuts first, and choose Maple, Cherry, Walnut, or Poplar when easier machining is the priority.
Does Kingma sell Cape Holly?
The buying section on this page links to any Cape Holly Kingma has in stock and to the closest alternatives. Stock changes often, so call (780) 229-7681 or visit the yard at 4607 91 Ave NW, Edmonton to check what is in today.