Acacia (Monkey Pod / Golden Acacia)
Albizia saman (formerly Samanea saman) • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked and wavy grain with visible knots/burls; flat-sawn displaying large 'cathedral' figures and circular growth rings in the lower knot region.
Color Description
Golden to dark brown heartwood with distinct pale yellow/cream sapwood. Displays high luster and moderate chatoyance; tends to darken to a richer golden brown with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
600 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft classification)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; good natural resistance to rot and decay, though susceptible to powder post beetles.
Common Uses
Cutting boards, serving platters, bowls, furniture, and decorative veneer.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America; widely naturalized and commercially grown in Southeast Asia and Hawaii.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $20.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
5 to 10 years as a finished product; the patina suggests regular use as a kitchen board with some light oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered a sustainable, fast-growing species.
Workability
Generally easy to work with tools, though interlocked grain can cause surface fuzzying or tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive large-vessel texture; faint spicy scent when freshly cut; large contrast between sapwood and heartwood is a signature aesthetic.
Finish Recommendations
Food-grade mineral oil or beeswax for kitchen use; polyurethane or lacquer for decorative furniture to pop the grain.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic contrast between the dark golden-brown heartwood and creamy sapwood, coupled with the vessel structure and use as a large cutting board, is diagnostic of Acacia/Monkey Pod.