Monkeypod

Monkeypod (Albizia saman)

Common Name(s): Monkeypod, Monkey Pod

Scientific Name: Albizia saman (syn. Pithecellobium saman)

Distribution: Central and South America, also planted/naturalized in many tropical regions of the world

Tree Size: 100-125 ft (30-38 m) tall, 3-4 ft (1-1.2 m) trunk diameter

Average Dried Weight: 36 lbs/ft³ (570 kg/m³)

Basic Specific Gravity: .48

Hardness: 850 lb_f (3,780 N)

Bending Strength: 8,860 lb_f/in² (61,100 kPa)

Elasticity: 1,100,000 lb_f/in² (7,590 MPa)

Shrinkage: Radial: 2.0%, Tangential: 3.4%, Volumetric: 6.0%, T/R Ratio: 1.7

Color/Appearance: Color tends to be a golden to dark brown, sometimes with darker streaks. Sapwood is usually thin and yellow/white, clearly demarcated from the heartwood. Monkeypod is sometimes seem with highly figured curly or wild grain patterns.

Grain/Pore: Grain is usually straight, but can also be interlocked or wavy. Texture is medium to coarse, with medium to large open pores and a moderate natural luster.

Durability: Rated as durable to very durable regarding decay resistance, Monkeypod is also resistant to most insect attacks.

Workability: Monkeypod is generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though any interlocked grain may result in fuzzy or torn grain during planing operations. Glues and finishes well.

Smell: There is no characteristic odor associated with this wood species.

Safety: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Monkeypod wood dust has been reported as an eye irritant. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.

Price Range: Likely to be in the medium to high range for imported wood. Monkeypod usually trends a little bit cheaper in price than Koa, all other things being equal. Figured grain patterns are likely to be much more expensive.

Comments: Called by many different names in many different cultures, Monkeypod trees are commonly planted in tropical regions as an ornamental shrub or shade tree. Its lumber is likewise used for a number of different purposes depending on the locale, ranging from utility wood and construction purposes to fine furniture.

Some common uses for Monkeypod include: veneer, plywood, millwork/trim, carving, cabinetry, furniture, musical instruments (guitars and ukuleles), and other small specialty wood items.