Where does Meranti wood come from?

Dark red Meranti wood, often referred to as Philippine Mahogany, is generally found in Southeast Asia. The wood has a dark reddish-brown, or purple-brown, appearance with a number of white streaks running through it.

Meranti wood is fairly durable and resistant to decay, although it is susceptible to damage due to insect infestation. While the wood is typically easy to work with, its interlocking grain can cause difficulty while painting. Because of its structure, it is also a poor choice for steam-bending. Unlike many other types of wood, dark red Meranti has no obvious odor, but can cause eye, skin and throat irritation.