Padouk

Pterocarpus spp. (often P. soyauxii)

A vivid orange-red or scarlet field with subtle dark grain marks.

Botanical family: Fabaceae
Average dry density: Not assigned — identity requires confirmation
Janka hardness: Not available for confirmed identity
Native distribution: Tropical Africa; other Pterocarpus timbers also traded
Grain & texture: Typically straight to interlocked; coarse, open pores

The linked Pterocarpus soyauxii reference is illustrative of African padouk; metrics are intentionally unassigned for this genus-level record.

Original photograph © Mokurei Studio · physical timber held in the studio collection. Identification supplied by the studio; reference properties are not individual sample measurements.

Material character

Intense warm colour that slowly deepens to brown-red with age.

Notable applications

Veneer, furniture, turned objects, tool handles and musical instruments.

Of particular interest

The name padouk covers several Pterocarpus species; a brilliant red shade alone cannot separate them.

Workshop note

Species is not assigned from the trade name alone. African Pterocarpus trade may be regulated; check provenance before sale.

WOOD DATABASE / MATERIAL PROPERTIES ↗KEW SCIENCE / TAXONOMY INDEX ↗

Wood identification is provided by the Mokurei Studio collection, not independently laboratory-verified. Technical figures are reference averages, not measurements of the photographed piece; they vary with provenance and moisture.