Monkey Pod (Saman / Rain Tree)
Samanea saman • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked Grain. The cross-section shows prominent growth rings with a slight wavy texture and coarse, open pores characteristic of tropical hardwoods.
Color Description
Heartwood is golden to dark brown, often with darker streaks. Sapwood is thin and yellow-white. It displays a medium to high luster and can exhibit golden chatoyance under light.
Hardness Rating
600 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable. Good resistance to termites and rot, though sapwood is susceptible to powder post beetles.
Common Uses
Live edge slabs, furniture, bowls, carving, veneers, and musical instruments (ukuleles).
Geographic Origin
Central and South America; widely naturalized in Southeast Asia and Hawaii.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $25.00 per board foot for live edge slabs.
Wood Age Estimate
Based on the growth ring density and slight oxidation, this slab appears to be from a tree approximately 25-40 years old, with the finished product likely less than 10 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; generally considered sustainable and widely available.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain may cause some tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive dark and light honey-colored banding. It has a mild, non-distinctive scent when being worked and is known for its excellent dimensional stability.
Finish Recommendations
Danish oil or polyurethane to highlight the deep golden hues. It accepts clear coats very well without requiring significant grain filler.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of large open pores on the end grain, the specific golden-brown color banding, and the presence of the pith in a round slab are hallmark indicators of Samanea saman.