Bocote Wood
Description/Overview: Bocote wood is a highly sought-after exotic hardwood, known for its distinctive look and properties. Its rich color and bold grain patterns make it a popular choice for luxury desktop humidors. The wood is prized for its durability, strength, and resistance to decay, making it a reliable choice for high-end humidors.
Origin: Bocote wood is native to Central and South America, particularly in Mexico and Brazil. It grows in tropical rainforests and can reach heights of up to 100 feet tall. The tree produces a fruit that is popular among locals and wildlife.
Names: Bocote wood is also known as Cordia Gerascanthus, and is sometimes referred to as Mexican rosewood or Cypress.
Color: Bocote wood is known for its vibrant and bold colors. The heartwood is usually golden-brown, with dark streaks of black or dark brown. The sapwood is a light yellow or cream color. Over time, the wood darkens and the colors become richer.
Properties: Bocote wood has a straight to slightly interlocked grain pattern, with a fine to medium texture. It has a natural luster that adds to its visual appeal. The wood is moderately heavy and dense, with a Janka hardness rating of 2,010 lbf.
Additional Info: Bocote wood is a popular choice for high-end humidors due to its resistance to humidity and its ability to repel insects. It is also a popular choice for musical instruments, furniture, and decorative items. The wood is easy to work with, though care must be taken to avoid tear-out due to its interlocked grain.
Fun Facts:
Bocote wood is often used for making decorative items and furniture due to its unique and striking appearance.
The tree that produces Bocote wood also produces a fruit that is edible and has a sweet taste.
Bocote wood is resistant to decay and insects, making it a popular choice for humidors and outdoor furniture.
The wood has a natural luster that adds to its beauty and visual appeal.
Bocote wood is easy to work with, though it can be prone to tear-out due to its interlocked grain pattern.
The heartwood of Bocote wood is often used for decorative purposes, while the sapwood is used for more functional purposes.
Bocote wood is moderately heavy and dense, with a Janka hardness rating of 2,010 lbf.
The wood darkens over time, giving it a richer and more vibrant color.
Bocote wood is often compared to Brazilian rosewood for its unique appearance and properties.
The wood is highly prized by woodworkers and collectors for its rarity and beauty.