Bocote - Cordia elaegnoides

Janka Hardness = 2,010

Photosensitivity = Yes (Darkens)

Has a yellowish brown body with dramatic dark brown to almost black stripes. Color tends to darken with age. Also, the grain patterning can be quite striking. Heartwood is rated from moderately durable to very durable depending on the species. With its striking, zebra-like contrasts, and bold figuring, Bocote can be a very eye-catching wood. Bookmatching two consecutive panels can create symmetrical ”faces” and other patterns in the wood.

Brenco Exotic Woods, when the ordinary will not do!!!

Scientific Name = Cordia dodecandra
Trade Name = Canalete
Family Name = Boraginaceae
Synonyms =
Common Names = Amapa asta, Amapa beba, Amapa bola, Anacuite, Asta, Baria, Barl, Bocote, Bojon, Bonom, Canalete, Canaletta, Chackopte, Copite, Cupane, Freijo, Grisino, Gueramo, Habeen, K'an-k'opte, Keopte, Kopte, Laurel, Negra, Ocotillo meco, Palo de asta, Pardillo del monte, Peterebi, Siricote, Siricote blanco, Trompillo, Varia, Veria, Veria prieta, Zac-copte, Ziricote
Regions of Distribution = Central America, Latin America
Countries of Distribution = Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico

Numerical Strength Properties and Data:
Bending Strength = 14,481 psi or 1,018 kg/cm2
Density = 53 Lbs/Ft3 or 849 kg/m3
Janka Hardness = 2,010
Hardness = 2,282 lbs. or 849 kg
Impact Strength =  in or  cm
Maximum Crushing Strength =  psi or  kg/cm2
Shearing Strength =  psi or  kg/cm2
Stiffness = 1,509,000 psi or 1,111,000 kg/cm2

Toughness = 333 inch-lbs or 383 cm-kg
Specific Gravity = 0.66
Work to Maximum Load =
Weight = 40 Lbs/Ft3 or 641 kg/m3
Radial Shrinkage = 3%
Tangential Shrinkage = 6%
Volumetric Shrinkage = 8%

T/R Ratio: 1.9

General Characteristics = Heartwood and sapwood not clearly demarcated, whitish or light yellow, becoming grayish white on exposure often with dark irregular markings.

Grain = Grain on most decorative pieces is usually figured in some way, and also tends to be interlocked, though pieces with plain and straight grain can also be found. Medium uniform texture and a naturally oily/waxy feel. Good natural luster.
Texture = Texture rather fine to coarse; grain straight to irregular, wavy, or interlocked; lustrous; has an apple-like scent in C. africana
Movement in Service =
Photosensitivity = Yes (Darkens)
Color = Has a yellowish brown body with dramatic dark brown to almost black stripes. Color tends to darken with age. Also, the grain patterning can be quite striking, particularly on flatsawn areas. It’s not uncommon to see many “eyes” and other figuring in Bocote: though unlike knots, they do not seem to present any special challenges in machining.