Monkeypod (also known as Rain Tree or Saman)
Samanea saman · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Central and South America; widely introduced and naturalized throughout the tropics, including Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands (Hawaii).
- Hardness
- 900 lbf, classified as Soft to Medium
- Durability
- Moderately Durable to Durable, with good resistance to dry-wood termites and moderate resistance to decay.
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Grain Pattern
Interlocked, wavy, and irregular grain pattern with prominent growth rings visible in a natural bowl turning cut, creating a striking concentric ring figure.
Color & Appearance
Rich golden brown to dark walnut-brown heartwood, sharply contrasting with a pale yellowish-white sapwood band at the edge. The wood exhibits a medium to high natural luster and warms significantly with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
900 lbf, classified as Soft to Medium
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable to Durable, with good resistance to dry-wood termites and moderate resistance to decay.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Moderate value, approximately $6.00 to $12.00 per board foot depending on figure and dimensions.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be 10 to 30 years old based on the manufactured object (turned bowl) condition and moderate oxidation of the finish.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices and not on the IUCN Red List. Widely planted throughout the tropics as a shade and timber tree.
Common Uses
Woodturning (bowls, platters), fine furniture, cabinetry, carved items, interior millwork, and decorative veneers.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America; widely introduced and naturalized throughout the tropics, including Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands (Hawaii).
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can sometimes cause tearout during planing. Turns, glues, and finishes exceptionally well.
Finish Recommendations
Takes oil finishes (like walnut oil or mineral oil if used for food bowls), polyurethane, and lacquer very well, enhancing the rich chatoyance and grain contrast.
Notable Features
Features high color contrast between heartwood and sapwood, distinctive dark striping from growth rings, and moderate natural oil content.
