East Indian satinwood (Chloroxylon swietenia)

East Indian satinwood, Chloroxylon swietenia, is a dry-forest tree of India and Sri Lanka whose golden-yellow wood has a shimmering, satin-like lustre. It was prized for fine furniture, veneers and inlay, and heavy cutting has made it scarce. It is assessed as vulnerable.

Botanical name: Chloroxylon swietenia DC.
Family: Rutaceae
Tamil: Porasu
Hindi: Bhirra
Parts used: Timber
Habit: Yellow satin Rutaceae; mahogany is a shop word
Last updated: 2026-10-25

How to recognise East Indian satinwood

The leaves are pinnate, with many small, lopsided leaflets. Held to the light, the leaflets show tiny translucent oil dots, a trait of the citrus family, Rutaceae. Crushed leaves are aromatic.

It is usually a small to medium deciduous tree with corky, yellowish-grey bark.

Small cream flowers come in branched sprays. The fruit is a woody capsule with winged seeds.

Its species name compares it to Swietenia, true mahogany, but the two are unrelated. West Indian satinwood is Zanthoxylum flavum.

Traditional use of East Indian satinwood

Woodcraft

Satinwood was used for furniture, veneers, picture frames, inlay and turned work, and was exported from India and Sri Lanka to Europe.

Indian and Sri Lankan woodcraft

Village use

Leaves were spread in grain stores and bedding to repel insects, a use that fits their strong aroma.

Deccan village practice

Modern notes on East Indian satinwood

Satinwood dust is a known cause of contact dermatitis in woodworkers.

It is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List because of overexploitation for timber.

East Indian satinwood safety

Woodworkers should avoid skin contact with the dust and wear a mask when sanding.

Ecology and sourcing

It grows on dry, rocky hills and in scrub forest across central and southern India and Sri Lanka.

It is one of the characteristic trees of the dry scrub and thorn forest of the Eastern Ghats and the Deccan plateau.

Large trees are now rare outside protected areas. Smaller trees survive because it coppices after cutting.

Related plants

Also in Rutaceae

Questions about East Indian satinwood

Is East Indian satinwood mahogany?

No. The species name compares it to mahogany, but it is in the citrus family.

Why is the wood called satinwood?

Its golden wood has a satin-like shimmer when polished.

Is porasu always East Indian satinwood tree?

No. Most Tamil lists use porasu for palash, Butea monosperma.

Why is East Indian satinwood vulnerable?

Its valuable timber was cut faster than slow-growing trees could replace it.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.