Rain tree
A fast-growing, beautiful canopy tree, Rain tree grows in open woodland areas and prairies throughout the tropics. But it’s originally from Central America down through South America into Brazil, where it’s more commonly called “Monkey Pod.” Most likely because its leaves tend to fold up at night, allowing rain to pass through its branches to vegetation below.
Being so adaptable – and maturing within 20 years – the species has been planted everywhere from Southeast Asia to many Pacific Islands. Especially Fiji, where it not only goes by the name “Rain tree,” but grows so abundantly, it’s now valued as an exceptional, eco-friendly alternative to the dwindling supply of Koa wood, delivering a similar “island aesthetic” beauty — at a fraction of the cost.
Like Koa, Rain tree features dramatic grain and graceful, repeatable figuring. The color tends to be a golden to dark brown – sometimes with darker streaks – and the clearly demarcated heartwood and sapwood form a beautiful contrast. The grain of Rain tree is usually straight, but can be interlocked or wavy, at times with knots and forks, creating highly figured, curly, or wild grain patterns.
Which makes every cut of Rain tree as stunningly beautiful as it is unique. Combine that with its comparatively attractive pricing and Rain tree becomes an especially exciting choice for wood veneer, architectural plywood, cabinetry, furniture, guitars and ukuleles, and specialty wood items including bowls and plates.
SPECIES DISTRIBUTION:
Central America
South America
Southeast Asia
South Asia
Pacific Islands
Mexico
Peru
Brazil
SUSTAINABILITY STATUS:
CITES Appendices: Not listed
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Not listed
COMMON / ALTERNATIVE NAMES:
Monkeypod
Rain tree
Rain Tree
Suar
Mimosa
JANKA HARDNESS:
900 lbf