Spalted Tamarind
$3.00
SKU
Heartwood is a deep reddish brown, sometimes with a purplish
hue—heartwood portions of Tamarind tend to be narrow and are usually
only present in older and larger trees. The pale yellow sapwood is very
wide and sharply demarcated from the heartwood. Spalting and other
discoloration are very common in the sapwood, and the majority of the
Tamarind available in the United States is spalted sapwood.
Because of its density and interlocked grain, Tamarind is generally
considered difficult to work. Heartwood also has a pronounced blunting
effect on cutting edges. Turns, glues, and finishes well—the heartwood
is able to take a high natural polish.
Tamarind trees are best known for their fruit, not wood. Tamarind trees
are widely planted throughout the tropics both for their fruit, and also
as an ornamental.