Phoebe zhennan

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Phoebe zhennan is a large tree in the laurel family, growing up to about 30 meters tall. It is native only to China, found in Guizhou, Hubei, and Sichuan. The species is threatened by habitat loss and is listed as Vulnerable. The wood, called nanmu, was highly prized in ancient China, with whole logs used for pillars in the Forbidden City. When the wood becomes semi-fossilized, it is known as Wu Mu or "Black Wood" and can be very valuable. In 2012, prices could reach over $10,000 per cubic meter.