Amboyna Burl (Padauk Burl)
Pterocarpus indicus • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Highly irregular burl figure with wild swirls, tight clusters of bird's eye knots, and interlocked grain; creates a complex three-dimensional aesthetic.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from deep reddish-brown to golden yellow-orange; sapwood is pale yellow. Exhibits high luster and deep chatoyance; typically darkens to a richer brown with age.
Hardness Rating
1,260 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to decay and termites, though burl sections can be physically fragile due to grain voids.
Common Uses
Veneer, high-end furniture, turned objects, knife handles, musical instruments (inlays), jewelry boxes, and luxury car interiors.
Geographic Origin
Southeast Asia, specifically the East Indies, Philippines, and Solomon Islands.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$50.00 to $100.00 per board foot; often sold by the piece or weight due to its rarity and burl status.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut; appearance suggests a fresh turning blank or small project stock (0-5 years since processing).
Sustainability Status
Listed in CITES Appendix II; IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable. Subject to trade restrictions and requires documentation for legal export.
Workability
Difficult due to highly irregular grain; prone to tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well, but requires sharp tools to prevent chipping burl eyes.
Notable Features
Often has a faint, pleasant rose-like scent when being worked; known for having one of the most sought-after burl figures in the world.
Finish Recommendations
High-gloss finishes like lacquer or Danish oil are recommended to accentuate the chatoyance and depth of the burl figure.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinct reddish-gold coloring combined with the specific tight burl knot pattern is characteristic of Pterocarpus indicus.