matumi coffee table

By Darren Myburgh

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Designer

Darren Myburgh

Woodcrafter

Darren Myburgh

Tree

Matumi Tree

Common name

Matumi Tree

Matumi coffee table

The matumi is a protected tree species in South Africa, so to work with this wood fills one with joy and sadness. Most of all, the crafting is filled with motivation and determination to pay tribute to the fallen wooden slab and to honour the natural grain and properties of the wood. The natural imperfection of the slab has been preserved with intricate joins and makes this a perfect table for inspirational family coffee conversations.

DESIGNER

This young and inspiring designer studied industrial design at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. After completing his studies, Darren spent a year as an FGASA (Field Guide Association of South Africa) field guide – and this is where his love and appreciation for nature developed into a yearning to work with wood. He was destined to meet Gys Potgieter, who was soon fascinated and impressed with Darren’s passion for craftsmanship and design talent. This remarkable partnership in Kuni has realised Darren’s dream of designing unique, one-of-a-kind and high-end furniture.

Darren Myburgh

MATUMI COFFEE TABLE

THE TREE

Family: Rubiaceae | Synonym: Breonadia salicina

The matumi is a majestic evergreen tree and a protected species in South Africa. It can grow up to 40m in height and carries pale yellow flowers and fruit.

WHERE ARE THEY FOUND?

The matumi is associated with water and is most often found near permanent rivers and in riverine forests. In South Africa it is found in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and the Northern Province.

WOOD PROPERTIES

Matumi wood is very heavy and hard, is used for furniture, boats, floors and construction work. It was used for railway sleepers up to 1960.

INTERESTING FACTS

The bark of the matumi tree is used in traditional African medicine, mainly for diarrhoea, arthritis and other digestive problems.