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CHAKTE KOK
(also chakte coc)

Simira spp.
Simira spp., including Simira salvadorensis (syn. Sickingia salvadorensis), of the family Rubiaceae, the madder family

Although this Central American wood is NOT the same wood as "redheart", it is very similar in appearance and there seems to be a wide belief that it IS the same wood, and the pics below, although advertised as chakte kok, may be redheart (Cosmocalyx spectabilis, also of the family Rubiaceae). Sometimes you will see wood listed as redheart / Sickingia salvadorensis which just emphasizes the confusion between these two woods

my samples: NOTE: these pics were all taken in very bright incandescent lighting ("soft white" at 2700K) colors will vary under other lighting conditions

both sides of a sample plank of chakte kok / Sickingia salvadorensis --- HUGE enlargements are present.


end grain and end grain closeup of the piece directly above


END GRAIN UPDATE from directly above

NOT a raw wood color
sample plank, with a finishing agent, shot in a woodworking store. HUGE enlargements are present

web pics:

planks


planks listed redheart / Sickingia salvadorensis


various pieces, all from the same vendor, all listed as redheart / Sickingia salvadorensis (which is a synonum for Simira salvadorensis)


turning stock


planks from the BogusColorVendor, so the bright red is likely overdone by quite a bit.




both sides of a plank and closeup from the BogusColorVendor


veneer listed as chakte kok / Sickingia salvadorensis


"chacte kok" vase