Caesalpinia sappan seed

Sappanwood or Sapanwood (Caesalpinia sappan, Japanese: suou) is a sort of redwood found in tropical Southeast Asia and the Malay archipelago. It was first called “brezel wood” in Europe.

This plant has many uses. It possesses medicinal abilities as an anti-bacterial and for its anti-coagulant properties. It also produces a valued type of reddish dye called brazilin, used for dyeing fabric as well as making red paints and inks. The wood is somewhat lighter in color than Brazil wood and its other allies, but the same tinctorial principle appears to be common to all.