Khacho or Thinwin (Millettia pendula) is the wood of a tall tree, that is endemic to Burma and Laos, where it grows in evergreen humid rainforests along river sides. The tree belongs to the same genus as Wenge (Millettia sp.), so this wood looks much like African Wenge, but this SE Asian wood is much denser, extremely heavy and strong. The heartwood is chocolate brown to purplish brown, showing close and fine black veins and is clearly demarcated against its grayish white sapwood. In Burma it is used for all purposes in construction and furniture where the highest strength and durability are required, but because of its particular beauty it is also used for carvings by Burmese wood carvers. This wood is rarely exported and seldom available at all, a true rarity!
