Ziricote

Cericote / Cordia dodecandra

Local Names

Copite, Bojon, Trompillo, Anacahuite, Baría, Cupané, Amapa Asta, Canalete, Louro Pardo, Loro Negro

Distribution & Tree

Ziricote is found in southern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras, and Cuba. A small to medium tree with brilliant orange flowers, it reaches up to 30 meters tall. The trees are found in tropical dry zones with precipitation of about 1,000 mm and elevations up to 500 m, oftentimes in rocky soils.

Wood Appearance

Often compared to true rosewoods of the Dalbergia genus, ziricote’s Heartwood tobacco- to reddish-brown, with irregular dark brown streaks and variegations, with a somewhat oily appearance. Heartwood is sharply demarcated from the yellowish sapwood. Luster is beautiful and intense; very fine texture and variable grain. Ziricote is closely related to bocote (Cordia alliodora).

Processing Properties

Readily worked and machined with most tools, planing, sanding and finishing very smoothly. Surface treatments take well. Screws and nails hold well (pre-boring recommended). Its oily surface can making gluing difficult.

Strength & Durability

Durability is rated high against decay and insect attack.

Wood Uses

Fine furniture, cabinet work, turnery, flooring, rotary, carvings, tool handles, musical instruments, and sliced veneer for inlays and architectural woodwork, and rifle stocks.

Ecological & Social Importance

The fruit is sweet and edible and, in Mexico, made into preserves. The bark and wood are used traditionally to treat colds.

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DENSITY

JANKA HARDNESS

BENDING STIFFNESS

BENDING STRENGTH

CRUSHING STRENGTH

SHRINKAGE

Values are for reference only and cannot be guaranteed. Wood is a natural material and physical and mechanical properties may vary depending on age, genetics, and other factors. We encourage customers to consult the references provided in the bibliography. For further explanations of wood’s key technical characteristics, an excellent resource is the Wood Database with articles on Density (average dried weight); Janka hardness; Elastic Modulus; Rupture Modulus; Crushing Strength; Radial, Tangential and Volumetric Shrinkage.

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