Amboyna Burl
Pterocarpus indicus • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Highly irregular and chaotic burl figure with numerous 'eyes' and swirls; the grain is typically interlocked and wavy around the burl clusters.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a deep reddish-brown to a golden yellowish-brown. It exhibits high luster and chatoyance; the color tends to deepen and become more uniform with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,260 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable; heartwood is very resistant to rot and termites, making it highly valued in tropical climates.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, fine cabinetry, knife handles, luxury automotive trim (notably by companies like Mercedes-Benz), pens, turning, and veneers.
Geographic Origin
Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, specifically the Andaman Islands, Philippines, and Indonesia (East Indies).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$50.00 to $100.00 per board foot (Burl form is significantly more expensive than standard Narra timber).
Wood Age Estimate
Indeterminate from the image, but the deep oxidation suggests it is not freshly cut and has been seasoned or in stock for several years.
Sustainability Status
Listed on CITES Appendix II and classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to over-harvesting.
Workability
Challenging due to wild grain; burl areas can tear during planing. However, it sands very well, glues easily, and takes an exceptional polish.
Notable Features
Often possesses a pleasant, sweet scent when being worked; known for its high concentration of natural oils and distinct aesthetic 'eyes'.
Finish Recommendations
High-gloss finishes such as lacquer or CA glue (for small turnings) are recommended to enhance the chatoyance; clear oils also emphasize the deep red hues.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the deep reddish-brown hue and the specific distribution of 'eyes' and nested swirls is characteristic of Amboyna burl (the burl form of the Narra tree).