Pterocarpus Species, Burmese Rosewood, Narra, Bloodwood

In the Philippines, we distinguish two types of this plant, based on the seed pod exterior texture, the general size of the leaves, and t...Read Morehe natural color of the lumber produced. The "red narra"'s seed pods look spiny, or prickly, and the other's, known as "yellow narra" is smooth, as in the file photos shown here. Red narra's leaves and leaflets are generally bigger than those of yellow narra. The lumber that is produced is also distinguished -- one is redder, darker, and the other is yellower, lighter.

I have not grown this plant. In southeast Asia, Pterocarpus indicus is one of the best known trees in southeast Asia. In the Philippines...Read More, it is the national tree and the favorite timber for the manufacturing of fine furniture. Many streets in Singapore are lined with it. In Malaysia, it has been planted as a shade tree for at least 200 years. The flowers are yellow and are highly fragrant. It has naturalized in Puerto Rico.