Lacewood (also known as London Plane) is a decorative hardwood best known for its striking lace like figure, created by exceptionally wide medullary rays that are most visible when the timber is quarter sawn. The heartwood is typically a warm reddish brown, contrasted by pale rays that form a bold flecked pattern across the surface. This distinctive appearance has made lacewood a favoured choice for visually prominent veneers and refined decorative work.

The grain is generally straight, though the texture can feel uneven due to the contrast between the softer wood fibres and the dense rays. While not a particularly durable timber, lacewood works relatively easily and accepts polish and finishes well, producing an attractive surface with good visual depth. Care is sometimes required during planing to avoid tear out around the figured areas.

Historically and commercially, lacewood has been used for fine furniture, cabinetry, veneers, musical instruments, and turned objects, where its dramatic figure can be displayed to full effect. Because the strongest figure appears only when carefully quarter cut, well figured examples have always been more desirable and comparatively scarce.