Acacia (Monkey Pod / Rain Tree)
Samanea saman (syn. Albizia saman) / Acacia koa · Hardwood / Exotic
- Type
- Hardwood / Exotic
- Origin
- Native to Tropical Central and South America; extensively naturalized in Southeast Asia and Hawaii
- Hardness
- 1,700-2,200 lbf (Hard to Very Hard depending on exact species variant)
- Durability
- Durable to Very Durable; good resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack
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Grain Pattern
Wavy to slightly interlocked grain with broad flat-sawn cathedrals and live-edge sapwood contrast
Color & Appearance
Rich golden-brown to deep reddish-brown heartwood contrasted sharply with pale cream to yellowish live-edge sapwood; displays moderate chatoyance and natural luster
Hardness (Janka)
1,700-2,200 lbf (Hard to Very Hard depending on exact species variant)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Very Durable; good resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $12.00 - $25.00 per board foot for live-edge slabs
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern commercial furniture millwork (estimated 1 to 5 years old based on clean factory finish and polyurethane coat)
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern on IUCN Red List; non-CITES listed; widely available from sustainable plantation sources
Common Uses
Live-edge tabletop furniture, dining tables, countertops, turned bowls, decorative slabs, and fine woodworking
Geographic Origin
Native to Tropical Central and South America; extensively naturalized in Southeast Asia and Hawaii
Workability
Generally fair to good; interlocked grain can cause minor tearout when planing, but sands smoothly and glues well
Finish Recommendations
Clear polyurethane, conversion varnish, or wipe-on oil finishes enhance depth, chatoyance, and highlight the grain contrast without darkening the pale sapwood excessively
Notable Features
Distinctive live-edge visual contrast between sapwood and heartwood; faint sweet scent when cut; high natural luster
