Acacia (Monkey Pod / Golden Acacia)
Acacia auriculiformis or Albizia saman • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked, wavy, and irregular; frequently features visible knots and wild 'flame' or cathedral figures with a coarse texture
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from light golden brown to a dark reddish-brown. Sapwood is distinctively pale yellow or cream-colored, as seen in the wide lighter bands in the sample. It possesses a natural luster and may darken slightly with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,100 to 1,750 lbf (Medium to Hard, depending on specific subspecies)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable to Durable; generally resistant to decay and rot, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Furniture (specifically dining tables), flooring, cabinetry, bowls, and decorative turnings.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands; widely farmed in plantations globally.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
5 to 10 years (Production date). The wood appears to be kiln-dried plantation stock used in contemporary 'industrial' furniture manufacture.
Sustainability Status
Generally considers sustainable; not CITES listed. Many species are fast-growing and sourced from sustainable plantations.
Workability
Generally easy to work, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. It glues and finishes well, but can be slightly abrasive on tool edges.
Notable Features
Often characterized by short, 'choppy' board lengths in mass-produced furniture; has a faint sweet scent when worked and a high degree of color contrast between heartwood and sapwood.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes or clear polyurethanes help highlight the chatoyance and color variation. Wax can be used for a natural matte look.
Identification Confidence
High. The mix of reddish-brown heartwood and creamy sapwood, coupled with the specific 'butcher block' plank construction typical of modern Acacia retail furniture, is highly diagnostic.