Ziricote
Cordia dodecandra · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Central America and Mexico (specifically the Yucatan Peninsula).
- Hardness
- 1,970 lbf (Very Hard)
- Durability
- Durable to Very Durable; naturally resistant to rot and decay, though rarely used outdoors due to cost.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Characteristic 'spider-webging' or landscape figure with irregular, swirling, and interlocked grain; contains prominent growth rings and occasional knots.
Color & Appearance
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 (Janka)
1,970 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Very Durable; naturally resistant to rot and decay, though rarely used outdoors due to cost.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
