Amboyna (Pterocarpus indicus)
Pterocarpus indicus • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Highly irregular burl figure with numerous 'eyes' and swirled clusters. The grain is extremely wild, featuring dense knots and interlocked fibers characteristic of growth abnormalities.
Color Description
Vibrant reddish-brown to golden-orange heartwood. This sample shows a warm amber and burnt sienna palette. It possesses high natural luster and chatoyance, typically darkening to a deep wine-red with age.
Hardness Rating
1,260 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. High resistance to termites and rot; historically used as a standard for durability in Southeast Asia.
Common Uses
Luxury furniture, high-end automotive interiors (dashboards), musical instruments, fine knife handles, jewelry boxes, and ornamental turnery.
Geographic Origin
Southeast Asia, specifically the East Indies, Philippines, and the Solomon Islands.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$50.00 to $100.00 per board foot. Burl sections are among the world's most expensive woods, often sold by weight or as individual small blanks.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut (1-5 years). The clean edges and lack of oxidation suggest a recently processed/milled pen blank or small instrument component.
Sustainability Status
Listed in CITES Appendix II and classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to over-exploitation.
Workability
Difficult due to wild grain. Highly prone to tearout during planing and machining. Glues well and finishes to an exceptionally high natural polish.
Notable Features
Features a distinct, pleasant spicy fragrance when worked. It is the most prized burl in the world. Dense growth can lead to small natural voids or bark inclusions (as seen in the sample).
Finish Recommendations
Clear oils (tung or linseed) to enhance chatoyance and depth, or CA glue/lacquer for small items to fill any minor pits in the burl texture.
Identification Confidence
High. The unique 'eye' structure of the burl, combined with the specific orange-red hue and tight clumping of clusters, is a signature characteristic of Amboyna burl.