Spalted Tamarind
Tamarindus indica · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Native to tropical Africa; widely cultivated in Southeast Asia, Central America, and South America.
- Hardness
- 1,530 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable to Slightly Durable; the sapwood is highly susceptible to rot and insects, which allows the spalting process to occur. Once dried, it is stable but remains perishable if exposed to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Highly irregular and dramatic due to fungal spalting; typically interlocked or wavy. The sample shows significant black zone lines (fungal signatures) creating a marble-like figure.
Color & Appearance
The wood exhibits a pale yellow to straw-colored base with contrasting dark brown and black streaks caused by decay. Heartwood is typically small and reddish-brown, though the sapwood is what is prized for spalting.
Hardness (Janka)
1,530 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; the sapwood is highly susceptible to rot and insects, which allows the spalting process to occur. Once dried, it is stable but remains perishable if exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $15.00 - $30.00 per board foot, depending on the intensity of the spalting figure.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Unknown; however, the level of spalting and surface oxidation suggests the log was harvested and left to 'cure' in a damp environment for 6-12 months to develop the fungus.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; generally considered sustainable as it is widely cultivated for fruit.
Common Uses
Turning (bowls and spindles), knife handles, ornamental veneer, fine furniture accents, and decorative objects.
Geographic Origin
Native to tropical Africa; widely cultivated in Southeast Asia, Central America, and South America.
Workability
Difficult due to interlocked grain and high density. The spalting introduces 'punky' or soft spots that can tear out during machining. Sharp tools and the use of stabilizers (like CA glue or wood hardener) are often required.
Finish Recommendations
High-gloss finishes like CA glue (for small items), lacquer, or polyurethane highlight the chatoyance and sharp contrast of the black lines. Pentacryl or wood hardeners may be needed during preparation.
Notable Features
High density and weight. The most distinctive feature is the 'spalting' lines which are actual boundaries between different fungal colonies. Dust can be a respiratory irritant.
