Red Heart

Red Heart (Erythroxylum spp. and Simira spp.)

Common names: Redheart, Chakte Kok

Distribution : Southern Mexico to southern Brazil and Paraguay

Color/appearance : Redheart can be a very bright, watermelon red—though color can vary in intensity and hue from board to board: anywhere from a light orange/pink, (similar to Pink Ivory), to a darker brownish red. Redheart’s vibrant color quickly fades to a reddish brown in direct sunlight, though this color change can be slowed (but usually not stopped entirely) by using a finish with UV inhibitors.

Janka hardness: 1210 lb_f

Density: 3.34 lb_f

Shrinkage: 1

Radial (thickness): 2.8%

Tangential (width): 8.2%,

Volumetric (total): 10.6%,

T/R Ratio (width to depth): 2.9

Allergies/Toxicity: 1 Besides the standard health risks associated with any type of wood dust, no further health reactions have been associated with Redheart.

Sustainability: CITES: No, IUCN: No

Common Uses: Turned objects, inlays, veneer, fine furniture, and small specialty wood items.