Chakte Viga

Common Name(s): Chakte Viga, Paela, Aripin

Scientific Name: Coulteria platyloba (=Caesalpinia)

Distribution: Tropical areas of Mexico and Central America

Tree Size: 20-30 ft (6-9 m) tall, 1-2 ft (.3-.6 m) trunk diameter

Average Dried Weight: 58 lbs/ft³ (935 kg/m³)

Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .78, .93

Janka Hardness: 2,250 lb_f (10,010 N)

Heartwood bright orange to golden brown. Sapwood pale white to yellow. Perhaps the closest relative to the more-famous Brazilwood (used for violin bows), Chakte Viga shares many of the same excellent acoustic properties. With great color, a smooth texture, and a unique iridescent quality