Monkeypod (Rain Tree)
Samanea saman · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Native to Central and South America; widely naturalized throughout Southeast Asia, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands.
- Hardness
- 900 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable to Moderately Durable; resistant to decay and moderate insect resistance.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked grain with pronounced cross-grain curl/figure and prominent saw marks across a live-edge flat-sawn slab.
Color & Appearance
Golden-amber to medium warm brown heartwood with distinct lighter creamy-yellow sapwood along the live edges; moderate natural luster.
Hardness (Janka)
900 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Moderately Durable; resistant to decay and moderate insect resistance.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $12.00 - $22.00 per board foot for wide live-edge slabs depending on figure and width.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly milled or rough-sawn slab, likely harvested within the past 1-3 years based on surface oxidation and raw condition.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (Not listed in CITES annexes); widely available from sustainable plantation sources and urban removals.
Common Uses
Live-edge dining tables, island tops, carved bowls, fine furniture, turning blanks, and decorative veneers.
Geographic Origin
Native to Central and South America; widely naturalized throughout Southeast Asia, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing; glues and finishes very well.
Finish Recommendations
Hardwax oils (e.g., Rubio Monocoat), film-building polyurethanes, or wipe-on varnish to accentuate natural grain depth and chatoyancy after thorough sanding to remove rough mill marks.
Notable Features
Striking contrast between dark heartwood and bright sapwood; wide monolithic slab width; lightweight yet structurally stable.
