Mango Wood
Whilst it seems obvious to state the fact, mango wood originates from the same tree as the popular fruit. The trees are grown for their fruit around South East Asia and in particular in Malaysia. A mango tree is an extremely tall tree which is capable of reaching up to 100 feet and have a trunk diameter or up to 4 feet.
The main function and purpose of the mango tree is to produce fruit and given the popularity of mangoes in food and as part of juice drinks and tea, it's little wonder that they are currently being so heavily and commercially farmed.
The tree is able to produce its fruit for up to thirty years and after this time, it becomes that the fruit is either no longer found on the tree or is deemed to be unsuitable for commercial use. At this time, the old tree is replaced with a young who is able to meet the demands of production.
Recycling Mango Wood
It was often the case that the old tree would be discarded and left to rot or burnt. However, in more recent times, mango wood has been used for a variety of reasons, including the production of furniture.
The fact that this material which would otherwise be destroyed, is now able to find a permanent and useful purpose makes the practice of recycling mango wood an extremely environmentally friendly and responsible thing to do.
Mango wood was first used in production in recent years in response to the natural depletion of teak. Because an alternative needed to be found in Thailand, mango was readily available but as a result of this, it was discovered that mango had a variety of uses and was therefore fit for purpose in its own right
Why Mango Makes Attractive Furniture
In addition to the fact that finding further uses for materials which are no longer required is responsible and ethical, mango wood also makes for extremely interesting furniture because of its natural tone and texture.
The wood from the base of the tree, away from fruit production, naturally forms the most interesting grain patterns and natural contours and can be a light yellow with green or orange streaks which make for striking and eye-catching furnishings.
A further effect is known as spalting; which is when a fungus attacks stored wood and creates dark threads in the light base of the wood for a contrasting and pleasant appearance which makes for an interesting furniture layer.
