As the genus would suggest, this is a part of the Poplar family, although from Central, Western and Eastern Europe.

Mappa Burls are found in trees which have developed an abnormal trunk formation.  Like some Beech and English Sycamore logs, Mappa is typically sliced cold, in other words not cooked in a vat.  The interesting thing is that Mappa Burls can deliver sheets of veneer that are quite long for a burl, even panel length.

The burl is comprised of tiny, reddish brown to black clusters – looking at times like the paw of a cat.  They can be open or sound (closed).  In addition, there can be swirls of figure called muscle, interwoven between and around the tiny clusters.  Basic coloration is an off white / pale yellow with some medium amber overtones.

As the wood is relatively soft, it takes a stain well and can even be dyed.  You might see it quite often used as trim in an automobile dashboard, as it is less expensive than Walnut or Redwood burl, which were used for the same.