SCIENTIFIC NAME
erythroxylum mexicanum

OTHER NAMES
Honduras Redwood, Zapotillo, Chakté-coc, Chakté kok

DISTRIBUTION
Central and South America

THE TREE: Typically, a Redheart tree can reach heights of 60-80ft and bear a diameter up to 32inches.

THE WOOD: The color can range from a pinkish red to a dark reddish brown, usually with purplish cast. The wood is hard and heavy grain tight, smooth and straight. The texture is very fine and the wood is very inclined to have figure, especially fiddleback.

USES: Turnery, knife and gun handles, general construction, and specialty products.

OTHER FACTS: Varnishes very nicely with Polyurethane and holds its color nicely. Very easy to work with and takes a high polish; sands to a nice workable surface. It does not tear out when planed and is nice for scroll sawing. In many ways it is similar to Bloodwood in character and color without the possibility of allergic reaction from the dust. Redheart's wonderful color will tend to fade in direct sunlight.

Famous for its medicinal qualities, the bark contains small amounts of Yohimbine, which used to be the main line of stimulants for those suffering from problems of impotence, often related to diabetes.

Information from: http://www.balamhardwoods.com/

Photographs from MDArtworks