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Clicking any heading in the main data area (at right) will scroll the page back to this top position. Use the following links to jump to the associated section in the main data. Common Names Common Uses Countries of Distribution Cutting Resistance Family Name Grain Heartwood Color Luster Nailing Natural Durability Numerical Data Polishing References Regions of Distribution Response to Hand Tools Scientific Name Strength Properties Texture Trade Name Tree Identification Scientific Name Pachira insignis Trade Name Chataigne Family Name Bombacaceae Common Names Chataigne, Wild chataigne Regions of Distribution Latin America, Oceania and S.E. Asia Countries of Distribution  [VIEW MAP] Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela Common Uses Boxes and crates, Concrete formwork, Pulp/Paper products Heartwood Color Pale brown Yellow to golden-yellow to orange Grain Figure Other (figure) Texture Fine Luster Medium Natural Durability Perishable Non-durable Sapwood is susceptible to wood staining fungal attack Susceptible to attack from termites (Isoptera) Non durable Heartwood is susceptible to wood staining fungal attack Tree Identification Bole/stem form is buttressed Bole/stem form is straight Cutting Resistance Easy to saw Nailing Easy to nail Response to Hand Tools Easy to machine Polishing Very Good to Excellent Results Fair to Good Results Even Figure Straight Rippled (figure) Strength Properties Density (dry weight) = 31-37 lbs/cu. ft. Density (dry weight) = 23-30 lbs/cu. ft. Numerical Data Item Green Dry English Density 28 lbs/ft3 Weight 27 24 lbs/ft3 Item Green Dry Metric Density 448 kg/m3 References Brooks, R.L., et al,1941,Durability tests on Untreated Timbers in Trinidad,Caribbean Forester,2(3,pp101-119 Caribbean Commission,1952,Information on properties of timbers gathered by questionnaire and,collated in the secretariat of the Caribbean Commission including some,related data from technical literature.,Caribbean Commission, Port of Spain, Trinidad Caribbean Timbers, their,Utilization and Trade within the area CTUTA/1/Doc.7 + App.1-18 Marshall, R.C.,1934,Trees of Trinidad and Tobago,Government Printer Port of Spain Trinidad Marshall, R.C.,1939,Silviculture of the trees of Trinidad and Tobago - British West Indies,O.U.P.,London