Raintree
(Click on an Item Photo for the net sizes)
DESCRIPTION: This average hardwood has a straight grain & rather coarse texture & easy to carve. Known as Suwar or Suar in Indonesia, rain tree is a native of South America, but has been dispersed throughout the tropics for at least 100 years. It is the favored wood of importers outside of the tropics because the crisscrossed, interlocking grain keeps the wood from cracking when moved to drier climates. It can be finished to a fairly high gloss. Is a form of Mahogany & is a much higher quality of wood to carve with than cheaper types of wood. Another common name for the Raintree is Monkeypod relating to the fact that it has seed pods which are edible.
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Originally native to South America, Rain Tree wood has spread throughout the tropics for over a century. Central & South America; Belize, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Brazil & Bolivia.
BOTANICAL NAME: Samanea saman.
WORKING PROPERTIES: Light, soft & easily worked. Takes an excellent finish but requires filling for a smooth surface.
USES: Furniture, cabinets & turning.
JANKA HARDNESS: 850
