Monkey Pod
Samanea saman · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Central and South America, widely introduced and naturalized throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands (including Hawaii).
- Hardness
- 1050 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable to Very Durable
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Interlocked, wavy, and irregular with striking contrasting dark and light bands characteristic of tropical hardwoods, shaped here into a carved decorative form.
Color & Appearance
Rich golden brown to dark walnut-brown heartwood, often featuring dramatic darker streaks and high contrast with a pale yellow-white sapwood. It has a high natural luster and warms significantly with age.
Hardness (Janka)
1050 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Very Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 8.00 to 15.00 USD per board foot depending on grade, figure, and origin.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be several decades old based on the deep amber patina and mature oxidation of the finished surface.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices and generally considered of least concern by the IUCN. Readily available from plantation and managed sources.
Common Uses
Decorative carvings, bowls, turned objects, fine furniture, cabinetry, and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America, widely introduced and naturalized throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands (including Hawaii).
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause some tearout during planing. Glues, turns, and finishes exceptionally well.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oils, shellac, lacquer, and polyurethane very well. An oil or lacquer finish highlights the natural chatoyance and deep rich colors of the grain.
Notable Features
Features distinct natural oils and color variations, often possessing a pleasant cedar-like scent when freshly cut. Highly stable once dried.
