Monkey Pod (or Saman / Rain Tree)
Samanea saman (syn. Albizia saman) · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Native to Central and South America; extensively naturalized in Hawaii, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands
- Hardness
- 900 lbf (Medium Hardness)
- Durability
- Durable to Moderately Durable; resistant to decay and wood-boring insects
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Grain Pattern
Straight to wavy and interlocked grain with pronounced carved ribbing/tooling texture on a hand-carved piece
Color & Appearance
Golden-brown to medium warm reddish-brown with lighter sapwood contrast visible in the carved face, darkens with age
Hardness (Janka)
900 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Moderately Durable; resistant to decay and wood-boring insects
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 to $12.00 per board foot (unfinished lumber); vintage finished carved items typically sell for $15-$35
- Wood Age Estimate
- 30-50 years old (vintage mid-century vintage hand-carved tray with aged finish and light handling patina)
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); widely available, fast-growing, not listed under CITES
Common Uses
Carved wooden bowls, novelty trays, dishware, furniture, carved art, turnings
Geographic Origin
Native to Central and South America; extensively naturalized in Hawaii, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands
Workability
Easy to carve, plane, glue, and finish; holds crisp details well with minimal tearout when tools are sharp
Finish Recommendations
Food-safe mineral oil or butcher block wax for utilitarian items; clear lacquer, amber shellac, or polyurethane for decorative display
Notable Features
Lightweight relative to strength; distinctive color transition between light sapwood and golden-brown heartwood; traditional material for vintage Hawaiian/Pacific wooden art
