Bocote
Cordia elaeagnoides • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Highly figured with a mix of straight and interlocked grain; showcases dramatic 'eyes' or bird's eye aesthetics when turned, often appearing wavy or irregular in small blanks.
Color Description
Heartwood is yellowish-brown with high-contrast, nearly black streaks and swirls. Darkens significantly with age and light exposure; features a natural oily luster.
Hardness Rating
2,200 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; naturally resistant to decay and rot, though primarily used indoors or for small items.
Common Uses
Turned objects (pens, bowls), knife handles, fine furniture accents, musical instruments (guitars), and pool cues.
Geographic Origin
Mexico, Central America, and South America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30 - $50 per board foot for premium figured lumber; turning blanks typically range from $15 to $25 each.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern sample likely from kiln-dried turning stock processed within the last 5-10 years; exhibits fresh dark pigmentation.
Sustainability Status
Not currently listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable but availability varies by region.
Workability
Generally easy to work despite its density; high oil content can make gluing difficult. Sands well and turns cleanly, though can exhibit tearout on interlocked grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive dill-like or spicy scent when being worked; high natural oil content; known for its striking zebra-like aesthetic.
Finish Recommendations
CYA (Cyanoacrylate) glue for pens, or high-gloss lacquer/polyurethane. Natural oils can interfere with some drying oils, so dewaxed shellac is often used as a sealer.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic yellowish-brown base with tight black 'eye' configurations is a signature visual marker for Cordia species used in pen turning.