Monkey Pod

(Pithecellobium saman)

Central America

The growth range of the species to grow in forests and at the edge of forests, alongside roads and pathways in central and eastern Paraguay. It is also reported to grow from the Antilles to Paraguay, and is widely planted and naturalized throughout the West Indies, Mexico southward, and in other tropical regions including Africa where it grows in towns, villages and along roadsides. Monkey pod is also reported to be often planted as a shade tree in several parts of India, Burma, and the Andamans. Currently it has been ranked as a relative endangerment based primarily on the number of occurrences of the species worldwide.

Monkey Pod is commonly referred to as Algarrobo, Algarrobo de pais, Arbre a pluie, Campano, Carabali, Carreto, Cenicero, Cow tamrind, Dormilon, French tamarind, Genizaro, Giant tibe, Gouannegoul, Guango, Huacamayo, chico, and Lara.

This hardwood has a sapwood that is cream colored with a hardwood that ranges from medium tan to dark brown. The grain is interlocked and wavy with a coarse texture.