Amboyna Burls from Indonesia

Amboyna is technically not a definite species, but is that the name of the burl wood from any of the Pterocarpus species. most ordinarily this is often Narra (Pterocarpus indicus), but burl sections of Burma padauk (Pterocarpus macrocarpus) also are sold under the name Amboyna.

The name springs from Ambon Island in Indonesia, where much of the figured wood is believed to possess been initially exported.

Amboyna is among the foremost expensive and sought-after of all burls, and is usually sold as veneer or as small turning/craft blanks. Some suppliers specify “Red Amboyna” for material with the standard rich reddish-brown heartwood, or “Golden Amboyna” for pieces with lighter yellowish-brown coloration. It’s commonplace for pieces to contain sharply contrasting yellowish sapwood.

Amboyna is usually used for fine furniture, turned objects, guitar tops, knife/gun grips, and other small specialty wood items.