Exotic Woods of India and Its Uses

India is rich in its flora and fauna. Some of the best trees in the world are found in India and some are even native to India itself. This article focuses on the most exotic woods of India and their specific uses. Not all wood are equal. While some woods are best for furniture and construction, others are used for perfumery and cosmetics. This article is an exhaustive list of trees available in India. While some are exotic in India, others that are local to India and widely available are considered exotic in other parts of the world.

1. Sandalwood:

Sandalwood, one of the most exotic woods in the world specially prized in India for its fragrance, medicinal values and cultural significance is grown mostly in Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra, and Tamil Nadu. Karnataka is sometimes known as the land of Sandalwood. The climatic conditions and soil in these areas are known to be favourable for growing sandalwood. The price of one kg of sandalwood is approximately 20,000 Rs. It could go higher based on the grade, age of the wood and the oil content in it. Sandalwood is used mostly for perfumery and aromatherapy. They are widely considered for cosmetics and skin care and are known to treat acne, rashes and blemishes. They provide a natural glow and soothe sunburn and irritation. In Ayurveda, it is considered a coolant and classified as sheethala and pitta pacifying. They are applied externally for headache, eczema and skin inflammations. Artisans use them to craft small boxes, statues and jewellery. Carvings and decorative items made from sandalwood retain their fragrance for decades and are valued since ancient times. Other uses include essential oil extraction, incense and modern pharma and therapeutic uses.

2. Agarwood:

Agarwood is an exotic wood used in perfumery and aromatics. Prized for its oil content and the Oud extract, Agarwood is one of the most expensive woods internationally. The wood itself is used for making incense and is considered a valued product. Agarwood is mostly cultivated in the North East including Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Mizoram and the surroundings. New agarwood plantations are tested in various parts of South India too including Coorg and parts of Kerala. Agarwood is only used for its perfumery and the process of extracting Oud is complicated and requires aged trees.

3. Teak Wood:

One of the most valued wood for construction, furniture, interiors and boat building, Teak is naturally rot resistant and dimensionally stable. The price of teak wood ranges from anywhere between 1500–8000 Rs per cubic foot and depends on the age of the wood and density. Grown primarily in Central and South India, the best teak woods are often found in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Nilambur teak, which is grown in the Nilambur forests in Kerala is considered one among the best teak woods in the world. Teak wood is known for its golden honey brown heartwood, high natural oil content and durability. They are excellent for indoor furniture, wooden chopping boards and other kitchen accessories, outdoor furniture, high-end indoor flooring, boat building, decking. The wood weighs anywhere between 600–700 KG per meter cube.

4. Indian Rosewood:

Sheesham or Indian rosewood is a classic furniture wood with dark streaks. It is known for its strength and tonal qualities. They are widely used for musical instruments due to their tonal qualities. The price varies between 4500 to 15000 per cubic foot. They are grown in Central and Southern India and have the same climatic conditions and soil requirements as teak wood. The heartwood is golden brown to dark brown with black streaks and its density is 700–750 KG per cubic meter and is often heavier than teak wood. They are used in high-end furniture, cabinetry, veneers, musical instruments and carvings.

5. Ebony:

Known for its deep black heartwood, the Ebony is an extremely dense wood with fine textures. They are grown in southern parts of India in rocky soils and deciduous zones. The wood is very dense, fine textured and with a natural lustre. They are brittle and take high polish. Commonly used in inlays, musical instruments, luxury items and carvings, Ebony is a prized wood as they are hard to obtain.

6. Tamarind Wood:

Very common in Southern India, especially Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Tamarind wood is considered an exotic wood in the US and Europe and some parts of India, especially the north. Tamarind wood is one of the most dense woods which is hard to work with and requires skill. They are durable and the heartwood, which is rare, has an attractive grain and is very dense. They have a warm color. They are hard and dense at approximately 850 KG per meter cube with natural oils. They are fungal tolerant, termite resistant which makes it perfect for wooden chopping boards. They are rarely used for other purposes but some use them for furniture, carving, turned objects, beams, boat parts etc. They are usually prized by carvers due to its durability. Tamarind wood usually costs 500 Rs per cubic foot for the best quality wood and goes as low as 250 Rs per cubic foot.

7. Andaman Padauk:

Andaman Padauk or Padauk is a rare wood found in Andaman Nicobar Islands and is a rarity. While other varieties of the species exist, the Andaman Padauk is more desired due to its rarity. It’s medium to heavy wood which is strong and durable with a good finish. The reddish-orange heartwood darkens to a rich reddish-brown with age and is used to produce valuable red dyes. The wood is used where color is important like decorative furniture and veneers. They are also used for turned work and musical instruments.

8. Mahogany:

Commonly used for furniture, the rich reddish-brown timber is associated with classical fine furniture. Mahogany is not native to India and is grown in plantations and agroforestry in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, parts of Kerala and North Eastern states. The wood is known for its straight grains, good quality, workability, fine finish and high density.

9. Acacia / Babool:

The hard dense timber. Affordable, than teak and rosewood and used for construction and furniture. They are widely grown in semi-arid zones like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and northern parts of India. They are very durable, termite resistant and have a coarse texture. They finish well and are preferred for outdoor furniture, flooring and heavy construction.

10. Red Sanders:

Deep red heartwood, highly prized for decorative woodwork and carved objects, Red Sanders or Lal Chandan / Red Sandalwood is endemic to Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh. The price for Red Sanders is very high due to its rarity and strong demand. They have red to purplish red heartwood with fine textures. They are aromatic wood and are dense. Used primarily for musical instruments, cabinetry, inlays and carving, Red Sanders has medicinal properties too. It is a protected species in India and harvesting is tightly regulated.