Padauk (Pterocarpus soyauxii)

 

Family - Leguminosae

 

Distribution - West Africa, particularly Nigeria, Cameroons and Zaire.

 

Other Names: African coral wood, Afrik padouk, Afrikanisches korallenholz, Afrikanisches padoik, Arapka, Ba, Barrwood, Barwood, Bo, Bois corail / de rose / rouge / ulu, Boko, Boku, Bosulu, Bou, Camwood, Corail, Ebeu, Epein, Epion, Escio, Ezigo, Gula, Kisese, Kisesi, Koula, M'bio, Mbe, Mbel, Mbeu, Mbie, Mbil, Mbili, Mohingue, Mongola, Muenge, Mukula, Mututi, N'gola, N'gula, N'kula, Ndimbo, Ngula, Nve, Osun, Ozigo, Padoek, Padouk, Padouk d'Afrique, Palorojo, Red santal, Redwood, Santal rouge, Tacula, Takula, Tizeze, Uhie, Uhile, Ukpa, Vermillion, Wele, Yomo

 

Characteristics: The sapwood is of an oatmeal colour, the heartwood varies from striking blood red to dark brown with red streaks. A heavy, hard wood, weighing between 640 and 800 Kg / m3 when dried. The grain is slightly interlocked, and the texture is moderately coarse. Padauk is very durable.

 

Working Qualities: Easy to saw and machine, and planes and moulds readily to a smooth finish. Takes a high polish and stains readily.

 

Uses: Although commonly known as a dye wood, it is an attractive timber suitable for furniture and cabinet making. It is used for knife handles, carving, paddles and oars and agricultural implements in its countries of origin.