Peacock Flower Albizia
Scientific name: Albizia gummifera
Overview
Peacock Flower Albizia is a large tropical hardwood native to the forests of East and Central Africa. Known for its broad spreading canopy and attractive golden-brown heartwood, the species is valued for furniture, interior joinery, veneer, and general woodworking. While it is not as dense as many of Africa’s commercial hardwoods, Peacock Flower Albizia offers good workability, moderate strength, and an attractive appearance that makes it useful for a variety of interior applications. It is also an important ecological species, providing shade and habitat throughout its native range.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Peacock Flower Albizia
- Scientific Name: Albizia gummifera
- Region: African Hardwoods (East & Central Africa)
- Tree Size: 80–130 ft tall, 2–4 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: Approximately 40 lbs/ft³ (640 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: Approximately 1,150 lbf
- Color: Pale golden brown to light brown
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Peacock Flower Albizia develops a pale golden-brown heartwood that gradually darkens to a warmer brown over time. The grain is generally straight but may occasionally be slightly interlocked, producing subtle figure on quarter-sawn surfaces. Its medium texture and moderate natural luster give finished projects a clean, attractive appearance.
Key identification traits include:
- Pale golden-brown to light-brown heartwood
- Medium texture
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Moderate natural luster
- Moderately lightweight hardwood
Working Properties
Peacock Flower Albizia is generally easy to machine with both hand and power tools. The wood cuts cleanly, glues readily, and finishes well. Slight tear-out may occur in areas of interlocked grain, but overall it is considered a cooperative species for woodworking.
- Machines easily with hand and power tools
- Turns well
- Sands to a smooth finish
- Accepts stains, oils, and clear finishes well
- Minor tear-out may occur in interlocked grain
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. Appropriate dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended during machining.
Common Uses
Its attractive appearance, moderate weight, and good workability make Peacock Flower Albizia suitable for a wide variety of woodworking applications, including:
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Interior joinery
- Architectural millwork
- Decorative veneer
- Plywood
- Woodturning
- General construction
Sustainability & Notes
Peacock Flower Albizia is widely distributed throughout East and Central Africa, where it commonly occurs in both primary and secondary forests. The species grows relatively quickly and is often used in reforestation and agroforestry projects because of its ability to improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. Sustainable harvesting practices help maintain healthy forest ecosystems while supporting regional timber production.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Brown Albizia – A closely related African species that is generally denser and produces darker heartwood.
Tropical Albizia – Another widespread African Albizia species valued for its good workability and versatile woodworking applications.
West African Albizia – A related species with similar grain characteristics and moderate density found primarily in West and Central Africa.
Related Guides
Albizia Species Guide – Explore the diversity, distribution, and woodworking characteristics of Albizia species from around the world.
Hardwood vs Softwood: Key Differences Explained – Learn the botanical and structural differences that separate hardwoods from softwoods.
Moisture Content & Long-Term Stability – Understand how proper drying and moisture management affect the stability and performance of hardwood lumber.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Peacock Flower Albizia is an excellent collector species because it represents one of Africa’s more widespread but lesser-known hardwoods. Its attractive golden-brown coloration, dependable working characteristics, and ecological importance distinguish it from many of the continent’s heavier commercial timbers. A well-documented sample also provides an excellent opportunity to compare several African members of the Albizia genus within a wood collection.
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
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Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
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