Kauai Woodturner Robin Clark

Monkeypod (albizia saman) is a flowering tree in the pea family, Fabaceae, and is native to the tropics.  It is one of the largest trees on Kauai and is often called the Rain Tree as the leaves fold up before rainy weather. When it blooms the crown is covered in clusters of pink-white flowers, like small upturned brushes.  The common name is thought to refer to monkeys that used to gather below the tree eating the seadpods.  Monkeypod grows quickly which makes it a sustainable hardwood suitable for furniture makers and woodturners.

The bowl  is 12 x 4.5 inches and can be used for salad or fruit.  The hard wax finish that can be maintained by occasional application of a paste wax. 

Robin Clark is a semi-retired medicinal chemist who moved to Kauai from California in 2001.  He has subsequently pursued his long dormant interest in woodworking and makes bowls, jewelry boxes, and indoor and outdoor furniture.