Ziricote

Cordia dodecandra

Trade Names

Ziricote

Similar Woods

Macassar Ebony

Origin

Central America

Range

Central America from Mexico to Columbia, here and there in the south of the USA (Florida) and Brazil. Trees with usable log lengths of more than 5 m and 30 cm in diameter are extremly rare. Ziricote is the heaviest wood in the group comprising more than 250 different species of cordia.

Uses

Turneries, carvings. Used as veneer solely for architectural woodwork or inlays.

Properties

Sapwood is white yellowish, the heartwood dark brown with irregular deep black zones. Very decorative when used together with the light sapwood.

Machining

It is very easy and good to machine with all tools. Planed surfaces are very smooth and have a beautiful, intensive luster.

Seasoning

The wood can be very well and quickly dried but there is a tendency for the ends to split. Care is to be taken to ensure good, careful drying.

Finishing

All surface treatments take well and the wood can be polished well to produce a good finish.

Jointing

Joints with glue, screws and nails are very durable.
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