Monkeypod (formerly also known as Rain Tree)
Samanea saman • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked, wavy, and irregular grain with large, open pores and prominent crotch-like figure and chatoyancy.
Color Description
Heartwood is medium to dark golden-brown with darker espresso streaks and distinct lighter sapwood edges. Dries to a high golden luster and darkens with age.
Hardness Rating
600 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to termites and decay, though sapwood is susceptible to powder post beetles.
Common Uses
Furniture, live-edge slabs, bowls, carving, cabinetry, and musical instruments (ukuleles/guitars).
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 high-figure slabs.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern manufactured slab (likely 2-10 years since harvest) based on the contemporary high-gloss finish and lack of deep oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; generally considered a sustainable and invasive species in some regions.
Workability
Generally easy to work, though interlocked grain can cause fuzzy surfaces or tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive chatoyancy (shimmer), large vessel lines, and a faint, sweet scent when being worked. Large slabs are common due to the tree's massive canopy.
Finish Recommendations
High-gloss polyurethane or lacquer (as seen in the sample) to enhance depth; oil finishes also highlight the grain well.
Identification Confidence
High; the specific wavy figure, golden-brown hue with dark streaks, and large vessel pore structure are diagnostic of Monkeypod.