Barba de Jolote
Scientific name: Cojoba arborea
Overview
Barba de Jolote is a lesser-known Central American hardwood valued for its strength and utility. It is commonly found in tropical regions and used locally for construction and general woodworking. While not widely traded internationally, it provides a solid representation of regional hardwoods used for practical applications.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Barba de Jolote
- Scientific Name: Cojoba arborea
- Region: Central American Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 50–80 ft tall, 2–3 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 48 lbs/ft³ (770 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,600 lbf
- Color: Light brown to reddish brown
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Barba de Jolote has a fairly uniform appearance, with light to medium brown tones that may develop a warmer hue over time. The grain is generally straight, though some interlocking may occur.
Key identification traits include:
- Light brown to reddish brown color
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Medium texture
- Moderate natural luster
Working Properties
Barba de Jolote is moderately easy to work and performs well in general woodworking applications. It machines cleanly with proper tools.
- Moderate ease of machining
- Generally stable during cutting
- Glues and finishes well
- Suitable for a range of applications
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause irritation. Use proper dust collection and respiratory protection.
Common Uses
Barba de Jolote is used in applications requiring moderate strength and durability.
- General construction
- Furniture
- Interior woodworking
- Utility applications
Sustainability & Notes
This species is primarily used locally and is not widely exported. As with all tropical hardwoods, responsible sourcing is recommended.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Nargusta – A similar utility hardwood used for construction and general woodworking applications.
Santa Maria – A moderately durable hardwood often used in furniture and interior applications.
Palo Blanco – A lighter-colored hardwood with comparable workability and use in general woodworking.
Related Guides
Drying & Acclimating Exotic Woods – Covers proper handling to prevent movement and defects.
Gluing Exotic Woods: Challenges and Solutions – Explains best practices for bonding tropical hardwoods.
Moisture Content & Long-Term Stability – Describes how the wood behaves over time in different environments.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Barba de Jolote is a good representation of lesser-known Central American hardwoods. While not widely recognized, it adds depth to a collection by showcasing regional utility species used in everyday applications.
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Related Tools & Products:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
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