Two Small Vases of Seaside Mahoe

[Toby Bouder]

Two small vases or pencil holders made from the Seaside Mahoe that my brother brought back from Key West FL. These are 4 inches high with a wax finish.

[Brian Kent]

Very nice. I like the grain orientation. Never heard of that wood before.

[Neil McWilliams]

I thought I had seen that wood before. Was gifted a piece of Hawaiian milo which exhibited an incredible array of colors when freshly turned - reds, purples and browns - but all those beautiful colors assume brown over time. Thanks to your entry and a little research, this wood, known scientifically as thespesia populnea, also goes by other common names: Portia tree, Indian Tulip Tree, seaside mahoe (Florida) and milo (Polynesia). But I never knew that it would grow in Florida, and better yet, is a non-invasive transplant. Everyone should try turning this if ever given the opportunity; it is a treat to turn.

[Toby Bouder]

Thanks Brian.

Neil, yes I also love turning this wood. It cuts and sands well and polishes wonderfully. The piece that I got was already dry, it was in the scrap pile of a carver down in Key West. He gave it to my brother and said that I would like turning it, he was right.

[robert baccus]

Only cut one fair sized piece from Hawaie? but it is very pretty and cuts well. Cannot find a source of the pretty wood though.

[daryl moses]

Very nice!!

[Randy Red Bemont]

A beautiful wood and a very nice turning(s).

Red

[John Keeton]

...is a non-invasive transplant. Everyone should try turning this if ever given the opportunity; it is a treat to turn.

Apparently, the Seaside Mahoe is invasive. http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/node/448

However, it may not be the same wood you identified. Whatever the case, it is gorgeous wood!!

[Ken Barney]

Looks a lot like Monkey Pod to me?