Cortez Blackwood
Scientific name: Platymiscium yucatanum
Overview
Cortez Blackwood is a dense and highly decorative hardwood found in parts of Central America, particularly Mexico and extending into Guatemala and Honduras. It is known for its striking contrast between golden to reddish-brown heartwood and dark streaking, giving it a dramatic appearance similar to some rosewoods.
This species is valued for fine woodworking, especially where bold grain and color contrast are desired.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Cortez Blackwood
- Scientific Name: Platymiscium yucatanum
- Region: Central American Hardwoods (Mexico to Honduras)
- Tree Size: 60–100 ft tall, 1.5–3 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: ~50–65 lbs/ft³ (800–1,040 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: ~1,600–2,200 lbf
- Color: Golden brown to reddish-brown with dark brown to black streaks
- Grain: Straight to interlocked
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Cortez Blackwood is recognized for its strong contrast and bold striping.
Key identification traits include:
- Golden to reddish-brown base color Dark streaks or striping throughout Moderate to high contrast appearance Straight to interlocked grain Medium to coarse texture with visible pores
Working Properties
Cortez Blackwood is dense and can be challenging to work, but yields excellent results.
- Moderately difficult to machine due to density
- Can cause tear-out with interlocked grain
- Turns and polishes very well
- Glues and finishes effectively
- Good dimensional stability
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause irritation. Use proper dust collection and protective equipment.
Common Uses
Cortez Blackwood is used where durability and visual impact are both important.
- Fine furniture
- Cabinetry
- Flooring
- Turned objects
- Decorative woodwork
Sustainability & Notes
Some species within the genus are subject to regional harvesting pressures. Availability can vary, and responsible sourcing is recommended.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Granadillo
Similar in density and often comparable in color contrast, though typically more uniform in appearance.
Ziricote
More dramatic and chaotic grain patterns, often darker with spiderweb-like figure.
Goncalo Alves
Also shows strong striping, but usually with more orange tones and a slightly more uniform structure.
Related Guides
Understanding Interlocked vs Straight Grain
Helps explain why woods like Cortez Blackwood can produce tear-out during machining.
Preventing Tear-Out in Interlocked Grain
Provides techniques for working difficult grain patterns common in dense tropical hardwoods.
Finishing Oils vs Polyurethane on Exotic Species
Explains how to enhance the natural contrast and figure seen in highly decorative woods.
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
Cortez Blackwood is a standout species for collectors due to its strong visual contrast and density. It serves as an excellent comparison piece against other striped hardwoods and highlights how grain pattern and color variation can differ significantly within Central American species.
Share Your Photos of This Species
Do you have lumber, wood samples, tree photographs, woodworking projects, furniture, carvings, turnings, musical instruments, or other items made from this species?
Exotic Woods of the World welcomes photographs from woodworkers, collectors, sawyers, researchers, and wood enthusiasts around the world. Selected submissions may be featured on this page and throughout our website to help document and showcase real-world examples of this species.
When submitting photos, please include the common name, scientific name (if known), a brief description, and any information you would like us to share with the image.
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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Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.
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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:
• Diablo Fine Finish Saw Blade with 60 Hi-ATB Teeth for ultra-smooth and precise woodworking cuts
https://amzn.to/4f0ShPq
• Mirka Abranet Sanding Mesh Discs Assorted Grit Pack for dust-free sanding and fine surface finishing
https://amzn.to/4dGY5LM
• Tried & True Danish Oil Finish for enhancing wood grain and protecting woodworking projects with a natural finish
https://amzn.to/4tVNF0R
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