Bocote
Cordia gerascanthus • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Highly irregular and striking; often features 'landscape' or 'zebra' patterns with dramatic wavy or interlocked grain. Frequently shows small bird's-eye figure on flat-sawn surfaces.
Color Description
Heartwood is a yellowish-brown with high-contrast, dark brown to black streaks. Sapwood is yellowish-white. The wood has a natural oily luster and tends to darken significantly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
2,200 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable; rated as moderately durable to very durable regarding decay resistance. Resistant to insect attacks due to high natural oil content.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, veneer, turned objects, pool cues, knife handles, and musical instruments (guitar bodies).
Geographic Origin
Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 - $45.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/modern turning blank/sample block. Minimal oxidation or surface wear suggests it was recently milled and surfacing is fresh.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; generally considered widely available for a tropical exotic but subject to regional harvesting regulations.
Workability
Generally easy to work despite its density. However, high oil content can cause issues with gluing. Sands well and takes a high natural polish; potential for tearout during planing if grain is highly interlocked.
Notable Features
Distinctive dill-like or spicy scent when being worked. High natural oil content makes it heavy and naturally lustrous. Can be a sensitizer causing respiratory or skin irritation in some individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Best finished with oil-based finishes or wax to highlight the natural figure. Use a solvent-based wipe-down (like acetone) before gluing or finishing to manage surface oils.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic 'zebra' streaking combined with the yellowish base color and the visible end-grain pore structure is diagnostic of the Cordia genus, specifically Bocote.