Common Names:   Algarrobo Algarrobo de pais Arbre a pluie Campano Carabali Carreto Cenicero Cow tamrind Dormilon French tamarind Genizaro Giant tibet Gouannegoul Guango Huacamayo chico Lara Monkey Pod Purchase Monkey Pod

Mechanical Values

Environmental Profile
Although it may be rare in some parts of its range, especially at the periphery, the species is reported to be rather widespread, abundant and globally secure (Source - The Nature Conservancy - Rank of relative endangerment based primarily on the number of occurrences of the species worldwide). 

Distribution
The genus Pithecellobium is reported to consist of shrubs and trees that are distributed in the tropical regions of the world. Monkey pod (P. saman ) is reported to grow in forests and at the edge of forests, alongside roads and pathways in central and eastern Paraguay. It is also reported to grow from the Antilles to Paraguay, and is widely planted and naturalized throughout the West Indies, Mexico southward, and in other tropical regions including Africa where it grows in towns, villages and alon roadsides. It prefers well-drained fertile soils. An introduced species from South America, Monkey pod is also reported to be often planted as a shade tree in several parts of India, Burma, and the Andamans.

Product Sources
Some material from this species is reported to be available from environmentally responsible or sustainably managed sources. 

Tree Data
Trees growing in open areas are reported to reach a height of 100 to 125 feet (30 to 38 m), with a trunk diameter of 36 to 48 inches (90 and 120cm). Boles are reported to be short, thick and often crooked.

Sapwood Color
The wide sapwood is cream in color and is distinct from the heartwood.

Heartwood Color
The heartwood is golden-brown to dark brown in color. Wood vessels contain shiny, brown deposits.

Grain
The grain is wavy, often interlocked.

Texture
The texture is coarse.

Luster
The wood has medium luster.

Odor
There is no characteristic odor or taste.

Ease of Drying
The timber is reported to dry easily, with very little degrade.

Drying Defects
The material may develop minute end-checks during drying.

T/R Ratio
1.70
This indicator is more meaningful if it is used together with other drying information and actual shrinkage data in the tangential and radial directions. (Refer to the Numerical Values window).

Natural Durability
Resistance to biodegradation is reported to vary, but the wood is durable under water. The heartwood is rated as resistant to attack by termites. The material is prone to blue-stain.

Resistance to Impregnation
Resistance to impregnation is reported to be moderate. 

Gum Content
The timber is reported to contain gum.

Toxic Constituents
Sawdust from machining operations may cause eye irritation in some individuals.

Cutting Resistance
The timber is reported to saw well, but material containing interlocked grain may develop torn and woolly surfaces.

Planing
Material containing interlocked grain may develop torn and woolly surfaces in planing operations.

Turning
Green material is reported to be easier to turn. Turned surfaces tend to be woolly because of interlocked grain.

Moulding
Moulding properties are reported to be generally good.

Boring
The timber is reported to perform well in boring operations, but material containing interlocked grain may develop torn and woolly surfaces.

Routing & Recessing
Routing qualities are reported to be generally good.

Mortising
The wood mortises well in general, except in material with interlocked grain.

Carving
The timber is reported to have generally good carving qualities.

Sanding
Sanding characteristics are reported to be generally good.

Polishing
Polishing properties are reported to be excellent.

Response to Hand Tools
Response to hand tools is reported to be generally good.

Strength Properties
The bending strength of the species is considered medium, being much weaker than White oak or Teak in the air-dry condition (about 12 percent moisture content). It has medium compression strength parallel to grain, comparing favorably to Mahogany. It is moderately hard and resistant to wearing and marring. It is a heavy wood. The density is high. 

Comments
This timber is reported to be the well known Monkey pod of commerce, favored for its wooden bowls and similar items. It is also reported to be a favorite shade tree.