More about ACACIA WOOD and its commonly known HAWAIIAN name "MONKEY POD"

Acacia is classified as a fast-growing wood species. When we refer to our wood as 'ecologically forested', we mean that the trees are harvested legally from privately owned lands, that the government regulates and monitors the condition of the local forests and issues permits for every step of the harvesting process. Local government agencies also monitor and inspect the transport of the Acacia wood logs, ensuring that there are no more trees cut than what is needed or permitted. Our wood source does not use "slash and burn" methods of harvesting trees. The harvesting method of the Acacia tree is sustainable in that the tree is cut so the base and roots remain intact for re-growth.

Scientifically speaking, the Acacia wood which we import does not belong to the same genus as the Hawaiian 'Saman-Saman' (Pithecelloborum Saman), which is commonly referred to as "Monkey Pod" and listed as endangered in the Hawaiian Islands. The Acacia trees our source uses share the same plant class, order, family and subfamily, but are of a different genus. The Acacia genus is common and regulated in the Philippines and is not endangered. It is interesting to note that Acacia is not a native tree to the Philippines but rather was introduced into the country and grown there mainly for the purposes of commerce.

Monkeypod became popular in the United States after WWII when soldiers returned from the war carrying souvenirs of wooden bowls and statuettes back to their families. To this day, we have many people tell us "I have a bowl just like that which my mother passed down to me years ago and we still use it today!" All of our Acaciaware® items are carefully hand crafted by skilled artisans Our Acacia wood bowls are hand turned from one solid piece of hardwood, not laminated.

Care Instructions

Acacia is a dense, naturally resinous hardwood which (by its very nature) resists penetration by water and will not stain. It is not necessary to oil the wood but if for some reason it appears to be drying out, simply use a non-toxic mineral oil to restore the wood grain to its original beauty. Care is simple and easy: just hand wash with warm soapy water and air dry. Acaciaware® (just like any other natural wood bowl) is not dishwasher safe. Take care of your lovely Acacia hardwood bowl bandit will last for years and years!