Acacia (Monkey Pod / Rain Tree)
Samanea saman • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain with a medium to coarse texture; visible large pores and broad, swirling cathedral growth rings with some wavy figure.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from golden brown to dark chocolate brown. Sapwood is distinctively pale yellow or white. Features high chatoyancy and luster; darkens slightly with UV exposure if not treated with UV inhibitors.
Hardness Rating
850 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; highly resistant to rot and termites. Good stability in variable humidity once cured.
Common Uses
Live-edge furniture, bowls, high-end cabinetry, veneer, and musical instruments (ukuleles).
Geographic Origin
Central and South America; widely naturalized in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $25.00 per board foot for high-figure or live-edge slabs.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern manufacture; current condition suggests the piece is 1-5 years old based on the finish condition and absence of deep scratches or patina.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); not listed in CITES. Widely available and often harvested from invasive or landscape-managed trees.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues and finishes very well.
Notable Features
Faint spicy scent when being worked; known for high contrast between light sapwood and dark heartwood. Moderate weight.
Finish Recommendations
Satin or semi-gloss polyurethane is recommended for durability in furniture. Tung oil or linseed oil can enhance the chatoyancy and grain depth.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctive color transition between dark heartwood and creamy sapwood, coupled with the large pore structure and swirling grain, is classic for Samanea saman furniture.