Biancaea sappan is a species of flowering tree in the legume family, Fabaceae, that is native to tropical Asia.

[3] Sappanwood is related to brazilwood (Paubrasilia echinata), and was itself called brasilwood in the Middle Ages.

[4] Biancaea sappan can be infected by twig dieback (Lasiodiplodia theobromae).

[a] Slivers of heartwood are used for making herbal drinking water in various regions, such as Kerala, Karnataka and Central Java, where it is usually mixed with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.

Sappanwood was a major trade good during the 17th century, when it was exported from Southeast Asian nations (especially Thailand) aboard red seal ships to Japan.