Bocote
Cordia elaeagnoides • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Highly decorative with interlocked and wavy grain. The wood frequently exhibits striking "landscape" or "zebra-like" grain patterns with dark streaks and occasional bird's-eye or swirl figures when turned.
Color Description
Yellowish-brown body with dramatic nearly black stripes. The heartwood darkens significantly with age and light exposure, becoming a deep brownish-black while retaining its high natural luster.
Hardness Rating
2,010 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding decay resistance; it is naturally resistant to insect attack due to high oil content.
Common Uses
Turning (pens, handles, bowls), fine furniture, musical instruments (guitars and woodwinds), pool cues, knife handles, and decorative veneers.
Geographic Origin
Mexico, Central America, and South America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $25.00 to $45.00 per board foot depending on figure intensity; spindle blanks typically retail for $5.00 to $15.00.
Wood Age Estimate
The wood appears relatively fresh with recent machining and a modern finish, likely 1 to 5 years since being harvested/turned.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List, though habitat loss makes ethical sourcing (FSC) preferable.
Workability
Generally easy to work and turns exceptionally well. High natural oil content can gum up sandpaper and may require solvent wiping (like acetone) before gluing or finishing.
Notable Features
Distinctive spicy, pickle-like scent when being worked. High natural oil content makes it feel somewhat waxy; however, it can be a skin sensitizer for some users.
Finish Recommendations
Cyanoacrylate (CA) glue finish is best for small turnings to seal in oils; alternatively, lacquer or simple wax finishes work well once surface oils are cleaned.
Identification Confidence
High. The characteristic yellowish-brown base with dramatic black "landscape" striping and the way the figure wraps around a turned spindle are quintessential markers of Bocote.