Acacia (Short-leaf Acacia / Mimosa)
Acacia confusa (likely) or Acacia mangium • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked and wavy grain with visible live-edge contouring and subtle ribbon stripe figure in the flat-sawn sections.
Color Description
Heartwood varies from light golden brown to medium reddish-brown. Sapwood is distinctively pale yellow. High natural luster and noticeable chatoyance (light-shimmering effect). Darkens and deepens in color with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1750 lbf (Hard to Very Hard classification)
Durability Rating
Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, live-edge shelving, bowls, and high-end turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southeast Asia, particularly Taiwan and the Philippines; widely cultivated in tropical regions globally.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated wood age is 5-15 years based on the tight growth rings and minimal oxidation of the sapwood; likely a modern mass-produced furniture piece.
Sustainability Status
Generally Sustainable; not listed on CITES and considered an invasive or fast-growing species in many tropical regions.
Workability
Fair to difficult; interlocked grain can cause significant tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well but quickly dulls cutting edges due to high density and mineral deposits.
Notable Features
Distinctive sweet/spicy scent when worked; can cause respiratory irritation or skin sensitivity in some individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Satin polyurethane or tung oil are recommended to highlight chatoyance without causing excessive yellowing of the sapwood edges.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; identified by the characteristic golden-to-reddish heartwood transitioning into pale sapwood, high luster, and interlocked grain common in tropical Acacia species.