Mindi wood comes from Melia azedarach, a fast-growing tree in the mahogany family. In Indonesia it is planted mostly by smallholders, in the community forests (hutan rakyat) of West Java and elsewhere on the island.
What the wood is like
Mindi is lighter and softer than teak. One study, on trees grown in Brazil, measured an average basic density of about 0.45 g/cm³ and found the dried wood dimensionally stable. The grain is mostly straight, and the wood is often compared with mahogany in look.
Timber references list furniture, cabinetmaking, plywood, boxes, poles and tool handles among its uses. Indonesian researchers note that mindi is still not widely recognised as a commercial timber, and that its physical and mechanical properties have been studied less than those of better-known species.
Growing mindi
Mindi adapts to a wide range of growing conditions, which makes it practical for farmers. Seed is its weak point. The thick, hard seed coat makes germination slow and uneven, and farmers often struggle to find good seed. Research in West Java has looked at Sumedang, Wanayasa and Talegong as promising seed sources for community forests.
Mindi and teak
The two woods do different jobs. Teak is slow-growing and rich in natural oils, which is why it is the wood for pieces that stay outdoors. Mindi is valued for how quickly it grows and how easily it can be planted on small farms.
Our own pieces are made mostly in solid teak. See them in the catalogue.