Ziricote
Cordia dodecandra • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Characteristic 'spider-webging' or landscape figure with irregular, swirling, and interlocked grain; contains prominent growth rings and occasional knots.
Color Description
Heartwood is medium to dark brown, sometimes with a green or purple hue, featuring dark black growth streaks; sapwood is pale yellowish-white and clearly demarcated.
Hardness Rating
1,970 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; naturally resistant to rot and decay, though rarely used outdoors due to cost.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, musical instruments (especially acoustic guitar backs and sides), cabinetry, turned objects, knife handles, and decorative veneers.
Geographic Origin
Central America and Mexico (specifically the Yucatan Peninsula).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$60.00 to $100.00 per board foot depending on figure intensity.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern sample; likely processed within the last 5-10 years based on the surface wear and standard drying checks.
Sustainability Status
Not currently listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, though supply is limited.
Workability
Generally easy to work with tools, though it has a high density; can be brittle and prone to chipping or 'tearout' during planing. Sands and polishes to a high natural luster.
Notable Features
Unique 'spider-web' grain aesthetics; very heavy and dense; has a mild, characteristic scent when being worked; non-toxic but dust can be an irritant.
Finish Recommendations
Responds excellently to high-gloss finishes like lacquer or polished wax; oil finishes enhance the deep contrast between the dark heartwood and light sapwood.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinct 'landscape' figure and sharp contrast between the black-veined dark heartwood and the yellowish sapwood are iconic to Cordia dodecandra.