Introduction

The Kassod Tree belongs to the Senna genus of the Caesalpinioideae subfamily within the Fabaceae family, and its wood is closely related in texture to various other species like African Padauk, White-flowered Padauk, and Stuart Padauk, all commonly referred to as Kassod Tree. These varieties show slight differences in grain and wood characteristics, and Central American Hormigo is often substituted in the market.

The heartwood of White-flowered Padauk is nearly black with subtle growth rings and low luster, originating from Southeast Asia. Stuart Padauk, also known as Yellow Padauk, features a yellowish-brown heartwood with light and dark striping and is native to Africa. African Padauk is noted for its beautiful wing-like patterns and also comes from Africa.

Known as Chicken Wing Wood due to its dark brown or purplish-black grain interspersed with yellowish-brown streaks, which resemble continuous serrated lines similar to the patterns on chicken feathers, Kassod Wood has a pale sapwood, is hard, heavy, strong, water-resistant, but not very flexible. The presence of pores and fiber gaps on the cut surface are distinctive characteristics, apart from the color.

Due to its hardness, Kassod Wood is excellent for planks, columns, furniture, and construction, historically used for making gun stocks and railway sleepers (hence also called Railroad Wood). Additionally, it provides dense shade, making it an excellent choice for avenue trees.