Sardinia flora includes several varieties of native trees which grow spontaneously and have been used since ancient times to manufacture of wooden artefacts. The choice of wood for the creation of local artefacts, the manufacture of which includes intaglio decoration, is carried out based on the hardness of the material, that is, the level of malleability and pliancy.
 
Hardwoods are the most resistant and most suitable materials for this type of local decoration. However the most popular ones are some semi-hard wood types: their resistance and adaptability to temperature changes, result in a fairly good seasoning, associated with less pliable decorations, a balanced solutions to achieve long-lasting artifacts. Among the plants that provide local hardwoods, devided by resistance and pliability during the carving stage, walnut (Juglans regia), elm (Ulmus montana), oak (Quercus petraia) and olive trees ( Olea europea) stand out.
 
The most commonly used species which provide semi-hard wood, are chestnut (Castanea sativa), locally referred to as castangia - the use of which is associated with the creation of hope chests, the main element of traditional trousseaux and the most popular in the territory - and the cherry tree (Prunus avium or cerasus) with a peculiar reddish colour, that fades away over time.
 
 
The most popular among softwoods is the pear tree (Pyrus communis), used for the production of tools and other smaller items.