Other Common Names:
Anacahuite, Baria (Cuba), Siricote, Bocote, Cupane, Amapa asta (Mexico) Canalete (Colombia, Venezuela), Louro pardo (Brazil), Loro negro (Argentina)

Botanical Name:
Cordia gerascanthus

Family:
Boraginaceae

Mature Tree Height, Diameter:
100 ft, 1 ft

Weight @ 12% M/C:
50-60 lbs./ft.3

Working Properties:
Easy to work and takes a high polish.

Growing Regions:
Mexico to Argentina

General Characteristics:
Heartwood tobacco colored to reddish brown, with irregular dark brown or blackish streaks and variegations, with more or less of an oily or waxy appearance; rather sharply demarcated from the grayish or yellowish sapwood. Luster variable; texture fine to medium, grain variable; taste not distinctive; scent mildly fragrant, at least when fresh.

Uses:
Turnery, furniture, cabinets, flooring, rifle stocks.

Acceptable Substitutes:

References:
"Tropical Timbers of the World", USDA Handbook #607, Sept. 1984, p. 55

Discussion:
The standard references group all of the cordias together so there is much confusion -- both Ziricote and Bocote (as they are commonly known in the US) are cordias but they don't look much alike. Bocote, like Ziricote, is frequently spectacularly figured.