Pod Mahogany is a light reddish-brown wood, indigenous to the southeastern region of Africa. (Sapwood is easily distinguishable, with its pale yellow coloration.) It is a very hard wood — considerably more dense, stable and durable than any other ‘mahogany substitute’ wood. More dense specimens have been used for a number of demanding outdoor applications in Africa, yet premium-grade pieces can hold their own, aesthetically, with the finest exotic woods in the world — often boasting a high degree of chatoyance, and a remarkably deep, 3D-like figure.

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Sustainability: This species is not listed in the CITES Appendices, but is classified as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Common Uses: Construction, furniture, inlay and other decorative purposes, plywood, paneling, flooring, fence posts, and other outdoor utility uses.

Comments: Pod Mahogany is so named for its often figured, highly chatoyant appearance which resembles mahogany, and the trees from which the wood is cut are pod bearing. (Seeds taken from the pods the trees produce are in great demand in Africa, for use as ornaments and charms. They are often woven into necklaces, or made into trinkets and sold as curios. Elephants are known to eat its leaves and bark.)

The wood is significantly more dense than most mahoganies. Resultingly, it is more stable and durable — expanding the variety of potential applications for this most beautiful, useful wood.