Other Common Names:

Botanical Name:
Pterocarpus soyauxii

Family:
Leguminosae

Mature Tree Height, Diameter:
100-130 ft , 2-4 ft

Weight @ 12% M/C:
42-51 lbs./ft.3

Working Properties:
Saws well but requires slow feed, easy to machine but with some tearing of interlocked grain, takes a good finish, glues easily.

Growing Regions:
Central and tropical West Africa.

General Characteristics:
Orange red to purple brown on exposure, texture coarse, grain straight to interlocked, lustrous, sawdust may cause respiratory problems.

Uses:
Fine joinery, fancy turnery, carvings, flooring, decorative veneers, tool and knife handles. Marimba keys and other musical instruments.

Acceptable Substitutes:
Redheart, Paela, Bloodwood.

References:
"Tropical Timbers of the World", USDA Handbook #607, Sept. 1984, p. 66

Discussion:
A unique orange red color that fades to red brown. Padauk has good tonal qualities and is widely used for various musical instruments.