Botanical Name: (Pterocarpus soyauxii) Padauk is a bright orange or almost crimson wood when freshly cut, but oxidizes more to a dark, rich purple-brown over time. Slightly harder and heavier than Indian Rosewood it is a good back and side wood.It is stable, easy to work, with a strong tone. Padauk may be a little more difficult to bend compared to the ease of bending some of the more pliable woods.