pterocarpus

Pterocarpus is a genus of flowering plants in the legume family, Fabaceae. It includes about 15 to 20 tropical tree species that are valued for durable hardwoods and for their distinctive winged seed pods. The name derives from Greek elements meaning wing and fruit, referring to the characteristic seeds of many species.

The genus is native to tropical regions of the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Pterocarpus trees typically grow in lowland rainforests and adjacent habitats, but some species tolerate seasonally dry forests. They are often exploited for timber and, in some cases, for resinous exudates.

Notable species and uses include:

- Pterocarpus santalinus, the red sandalwood, native to southern India and Sri Lanka; the heartwood is deep red and highly prized for fine woodworking, with trade restricted by conservation concerns.

- Pterocarpus marsupium, the Indian kino tree, which yields kino resin used in traditional medicine and also provides timber.

- Pterocarpus indicus, known as narra; valued for reddish-brown, durable heartwood used in furniture, flooring, and veneers across Southeast Asia and the Pacific.

- Pterocarpus soyauxii, the African padauk; produces bright orange to reddish timber popular in furniture and plywood.

Ecology and conservation considerations vary by species. Some populations are threatened by overexploitation and habitat loss, prompting management and legal protections in various countries. The genus remains important for both timber supply and traditional uses in its native regions.