Acacia (Monkey Pod / Rain Tree)
Samanea saman • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked, wavy, and irregular grain with large open pores. Displays some figure and subtle chatoyance in the curved surfaces.
Color Description
Heartwood is medium to dark chocolate brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is yellowish-white (mostly trimmed here). Mellows and darkens slightly with age.
Hardness Rating
600 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay, though moderately susceptible to insect attack without finish.
Common Uses
Bowls, platters, serving trays, furniture, carving, and guitars.
Geographic Origin
Native to Central and South America; widely naturalized in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot for high-quality lumber; finished vintage pieces vary by artisan.
Wood Age Estimate
The bowl appears to be 20-40 years old based on the oxidation of the finish and the typical mid-century to late 20th-century artisanal style.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List; considered highly sustainable and often harvested from plantation or urban environments.
Workability
Easy to machine and hand carve, though interlocked grain can cause fuzzy surfaces or tearout. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive large pores; non-toxic and food-safe once seasoned; very stable with low shrinkage rates.
Finish Recommendations
Food-grade mineral oil or beeswax for kitchen use; shellac or lacquer for decorative items.
Identification Confidence
High; the brown-and-gold color transitions combined with the coarse, open-pored grain and vessel shape are classic hallmarks of Acacia/Monkey Pod bowls.