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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 and it will last for years and years!
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