Haldu
Scientific name: Haldina cordifolia
Overview
Haldu is a tropical hardwood native to India, Nepal, Myanmar, and other parts of South and Southeast Asia. The wood is valued for its golden-yellow coloration, moderate durability, and good machining properties. Historically, Haldu has been used in furniture making, carving, cabinetry, and general woodworking applications. Its bright appearance and workable nature make it a distinctive addition to the Asian hardwood category.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Haldu
- Scientific Name: Haldina cordifolia
- Region: Asian Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 60–100 ft tall, 2–4 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 40 lbs/ft³ (640 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,350 lbf
- Color: Golden yellow to yellow brown
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Haldu is known for its bright golden-yellow coloration that gradually deepens with age. The wood typically displays a straight grain, though slight interlocking may occur in some boards. The medium texture and natural luster contribute to its decorative appearance.
Key identification traits include:
- Golden yellow coloration
- Straight to lightly interlocked grain
- Medium texture
- Natural soft luster
Working Properties
Haldu is generally considered easy to work with both hand and machine tools. The wood cuts cleanly, glues well, and accepts stains and finishes without major difficulty.
- Easy to machine and sand
- Generally stable during drying
- Glues and finishes well
- Suitable for carving and decorative work
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause mild skin or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. Proper dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended during woodworking operations.
Common Uses
Haldu is commonly used in both decorative and practical woodworking applications.
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Interior trim
- Wood carving
- Turned objects
- Plywood and veneer
Sustainability & Notes
Haldu remains relatively available throughout portions of its native range, though forestry practices and regional harvesting regulations can affect supply. Responsibly sourced material is recommended.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Toona – Another Asian hardwood valued for furniture and cabinetry applications.
Mango – A decorative tropical species often used in furniture and carved items.
Narra – A premium Asian hardwood with stronger density and richer coloration.
Related Guides
Best Woods for Furniture Making – Explains what makes certain hardwoods suitable for cabinetry and furniture construction.
Wood Grain Patterns Explained – Covers grain structure, figure, and decorative appearance in hardwoods.
Gluing Exotic Woods: Challenges and Solutions – Explains how tropical hardwoods respond to adhesives and finishing systems.
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
Haldu is appreciated by collectors for its bright coloration and traditional woodworking history throughout South Asia. Well-preserved boards with strong golden coloration are especially attractive for display collections and specialty woodworking projects.
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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.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
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.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
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