Bocote

Bocote (Cordia gerascanthus) is a tropical hardwood native to Central America, primarily found in countries like Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. This wood is highly prized for its striking appearance, featuring dramatic grain patterns ranging from dark brown to golden yellow with black stripes or swirls.

Physically, Bocote is dense and durable, with excellent workability and stability. Its beautiful figuring and contrasting colors make it a favorite for ornamental and decorative woodworking, including knife handles, musical instruments, and turned items.

An interesting fact about Bocote is that its name is derived from the Spanish word "bocote," meaning "cow mouth," which refers to the fruit's shape in some species of the Cordia genus.

Despite its striking appearance and popularity among woodworkers, the Bocote species is considered sustainable. The relatively fast growth rate is balanced by its wide distribution.