Family: Fabaceae
Author: Willd.
Bibliography: Sp. pl. 3(2):904. 1802
Year: 1802
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Pterocarpus
Vegetable: False
Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. Asia to W. Pacific
Description
Amboyna-wood, scientifically known as Pterocarpus indicus, is a distinguished member of the Fabaceae family. This remarkable tree has garnered attention for its native prevalence ranging from Tropical and Subtropical Asia to the Western Pacific region. Documented in the year 1802 by the accomplished botanist Willdenow, this species has since been recognized in botanical literature.
The Amboyna-wood is highly celebrated for its striking, richly hued timber, renowned not only for its pleasing aesthetics but also for its exceptional durability and workability. Its wood is often characterized by a distinct, interlocking grain and a fine texture, making it a favored material in high-end woodworking and furniture craft. Notably, the veneer sliced from the burls of this tree is particularly sought after for its intricate patterns, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to custom wood pieces.
Ecologically, Pterocarpus indicus plays a vital role in its native habitats. It thrives in the warm, humid environments of tropical and subtropical regions, contributing significantly to the biodiversity of these ecosystems. The tree is often found in rainforests where it supports the local wildlife by providing food and shelter. The leaves of the Amboyna-wood are compound, typically comprising several leaflets that offer a lush canopy, ideal for offering shade and conserving soil moisture.
Additionally, Amboyna-wood possesses medicinal properties and has been traditionally used in various cultural practices. Its bark and leaves are often employed in local medicinal remedies, demonstrating its value beyond just its physical attributes.
In summary, Pterocarpus indicus, or Amboyna-wood, is an exceptional tree that stands out not only for its beautiful, fine-grained timber but also for its ecological significance and cultural importance across the regions it inhabits. Its robust characteristics and versatile applications continue to make it a cherished species in both natural and human realms.
Common Names
Eng: amboyna-wood, andaman redwood, burmese rosewood, malay padauk, papua new guinea rosewood, philippine-mahogany, amboyna wood, red sandalwood
Swe: amboinaträd
Fra: santal rouge
Ind: sonokembang
En: Amboyna-wood, Malay padauk, Papua New Guinea rosewood, Philippine-mahogany, Andaman redwood, Burmese rosewood, Pterocarpus, Amboyna Wood, Angsana, Asan, Red Sandalwood, Sang Drago, Sang Dragon
Ar: توز هندي
Zh: 印度紫檀, 紫檀
Dv: އޮފިއެލޭ
Fi: Manilanveripihkapuu
Fr: Santal Rouge, Pterocarpus indicus
De: Narrabaum
Id: Angsana, Sonokembang
Ja: Yaeyama-shitan
Lo: ດູ່
Ms: Pokok Sena
Ml: തകരമരം
Fa: پتروکارپوس ایندیکوس
Su: Angsana
Sv: Amboinaträd
Tl: Asana
Zh-tw: 印度紫檀
Th: ประดู่บ้าน
Vi: Dáng hương mắt chim
Synonyms
- Pterocarpus luteus (Poir.)
- Pterocarpus zollingeri (Miq.)
- Lingoum echinatum ((Pers.) Kuntze)
- Malaparius flavus ((Lour.) Miq.)
- Pterocarpus echinatus (Pers.)
- Pterocarpus carolinensis (Kaneh.)
- Lingoum indicum (Kuntze)
- Pterocarpus blancoi (Merr.)
- Pterocarpus klemmei (Merr.)
- Pterocarpus wallichii (Wight & Arn.)
- Pterocarpus obtusatus (Miq.)
- Pterocarpus indicus f. echinatus ((Pers.) Rojo)
- Pterocarpus papuana (F.Muell.)
- Echinodiscus echinatus ((Pers.) Miq.)
- Pterocarpus casteelsii var. ealaensis (Hauman)
- Pterocarpus saxatilis (Backer)
- Pterocarpus pallidus (Blanco)
Distribution
- Andaman Is. (native)
- Bangladesh (native)
- Bismarck Archipelago (native)
- Borneo (native)
- Cambodia (native)
- Caroline Is. (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- India (native)
- Jawa (native)
- Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
- Malaya (native)
- Maldives (native)
- Maluku (native)
- Marianas (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- Nansei-shoto (native)
- New Guinea (native)
- Philippines (native)
- Santa Cruz Is. (native)
- Solomon Is. (native)
- Sulawesi (native)
- Sumatera (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Thailand (native)
- Vanuatu (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- Comoros (introduced)
- Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
- Kenya (introduced)
- Mauritius (introduced)
- Mozambique (introduced)
- New South Wales (introduced)
- Northern Territory (introduced)
- Queensland (introduced)
- Seychelles (introduced)
- Sierra Leone (introduced)
- Society Is. (introduced)
- Sri Lanka (introduced)
- Tanzania (introduced)
- Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
- Zaïre (introduced)
Additional Images
Bark
Taken May 22, 2021 by Sabrina sciarra (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 24, 2022 by Derrick Yson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 1, 2018 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 20, 2021 by Muhammad idris (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 20, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Anziz AHMED ABDOU (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Sep 29, 2022 by Backhaus (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 4, 2019 by vakci VI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 1, 2018 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 1, 2018 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 25, 2021 by Oliveira Vander (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jan 26, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 10, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 10, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 26, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 26, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Dec 17, 2019 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 19, 2019 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 10, 2020 by Franck Prejger (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 28, 2020 by Marilyne Massart (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 2, 2022 by Gomes Alex (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 22, 2022 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 25, 2021 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 19, 2019 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Dec 12, 2017 by Gėrard POUCH (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 10, 2020 by Franck Prejger (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 10, 2020 by Franck Prejger (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 30, 2021 by arsenik (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 30, 2021 by Lucy Cabret (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5349242)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:516487-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pterocarpus indicus Willd.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Tree