Origin: Tropical Central and West Africa. Particularly Gabon, Cameroon, Congo, and Zaire. Also found in Asia (Andaman Padouk).
Characteristics:
- Color: When freshly cut, it has a vivid bright red or coral red color. Over time and with exposure to UV light, it steadily darkens to a copper-brown or deep brown-purple tone. This color change can be slowed by polishing.
- Texture: The texture is medium to coarse, generally straight. It is a hard, heavy, and dense wood. It contains natural oils, making it highly resistant to decay and insects.
Other Names: African Padauk, Vermilion Wood, Barwood, Corail, Pterocarpus soyauxii (botanical name).
Uses: Luxury furniture and decorative veneers, fine woodworking, flooring (parquet), turned items (vases, gifts), musical instruments (guitars), tool handles, and outdoor applications (due to its high durability).
