Sapan Wood

Caesalpinia sappan, locally known in Indonesia as kayu secang, is a small thorny tree native to Southeast Asia. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, herbal drinks (like wedang secang), and especially as a natural dye source.

Sappanwood comes from the heartwood of the tree. When freshly cut, the wood is pale, but it oxidizes into a deep reddish color. The key compound responsible for this is brazilin, which turns into brazilein upon exposure to air—this is what produces the rich red pigment.

Sappan wood is highly valued in traditional textile dyeing across Indonesia (e.g., batik and ikat).

Color Characteristics

• Produces shades from pink → red → deep crimson → purplish-red

• Color depends on:

  • pH level (acidic = brighter red, alkaline = darker/purple tones)

  • Mordants used (fixatives)