Pterocarpus macrocarpus

Pterocarpus macrocarpus is a medium-sized tree growing to 10–30 m (rarely to 39 m) tall, with a trunk up to 1.7 m diameter; it is deciduous in the dry season. The bark is flaky, grey-brown; if cut, it secretes a red gum. The leaves are 200–350 mm long, pinnate, with 9–11 leaflets. The flowers are yellow, produced in racemes 50–90 mm long. The fruit is a pod surrounded by a round wing 45–70 mm diameter, containing two or three seeds.^[5][6]

The wood is durable and resistant to termites; it is important, used for furniture, construction timber, cart wheels, tool handles, and posts;^[6] though not a true rosewood it is sometimes traded as such. The seasonal padauk flowers bloom annually around Thingyan (April) and is considered one of the national symbols^[7] of Myanmar (formerly Burma).

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  Padauk flowers during Thingyan
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  Padauk seeds
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  Displayed Padauk wood

The species is native to the seasonal tropical forests of mainland Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.^[4] It has been naturalized in parts of India and the Caribbean.^[5] It typically grows in dry deciduous forests, often associated with teak and bamboo.

The timber is very durable and resistant to termites. It is heavy, hard, and has a fine-grained, reddish-brown appearance. It is highly valued for high-end furniture, flooring, tool handles, and traditional musical instruments. Padauk is often traded as "Amboyna wood" when it features burls.^[6]

In Myanmar, the padauk flower is a national symbol and is closely associated with the Thingyan (Burmese New Year) festival. The flowers typically bloom once a year in April after the first spring rains. It is regarded as a symbol of strength and durability.^[8]

The species is currently listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to over-exploitation for its timber and habitat loss across its native range.^[2]