TYPES OF WOOD
In Indonesia, the Department of Forests encourage and enforce sustainable wood growth and harvesting practices.
SUAR WOOD (Saman Samanea)
In Indonesia, called "Suar Trees" with the botanical name Saman Samanea, these trees are easily recognized by their characteristic umbrella shaped canopy as seen in the above photo. This tree usually reaches heights of 50 - 80 feet. Its is a non endangered and fast growing tropical hardwood with a criss cross,interlocking grain which reduces the possibility of cracking occurring due to climactic changes.
This wood is used frequently for large sculptures and even furniture and compares favorably to woods such as Black Walnut. Suar trees grow in many different countries and areas, including Hawaii and it grows naturally in almost every area where it has been introduced.
In other countries this tree is known as Rain Tree or Monkey Pod.
PLANTATION TEAK WOOD
The Teak grown and used in Indonesia is called Tectonis Grandis and it is grown and harvested under Government control with a strong reforestation program in force.
The majority of Teak items are made from Plantation Teak but also re-used Teak is used. As urban renewal takes place Teak is recycled.
TAMARIND WOOD
The tree can grow up to 20 m in height, and stays evergreen in regions without a dry season. The leaves consist of 10-40 leaflets. The flowers are produced in racemes. The fruit is a brown pod-like legume, which contains a soft acidic pulp and many hard-coated seeds. The seeds can be scarified to enhance germination. Tamarind timber consists of hard, dark red heartwood and softer, yellowish sapwood. The wood is incredibly dense and heavy. The wood can become interspersed with a fungus that gives the wood an ornate ashy grey ribbon throughout.