Ziricote
Scientific Name: Cordia dodecandra
Overview
Ziricote is a dense and visually dramatic hardwood native to Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. It is widely recognized for its dark brown to nearly black heartwood and highly distinctive figuring, often described as landscape-like or spiderweb patterned.
Because of its striking appearance and strong acoustic properties, Ziricote is frequently used in high-end musical instruments, fine furniture, and decorative woodworking. It is one of the most visually identifiable hardwoods in Central America.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Ziricote
- Scientific Name: Cordia dodecandra
- Region: Caribbean & West Indies Hardwoods (Mexico, Central America, Caribbean)
- Tree Size: 30–60 ft tall, 1–2 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 56 lbs/ft³ (900 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,970 lbf
- Color: Dark brown to nearly black with dramatic lighter brown or gray veining
- Grain: Irregular to interlocked
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Ziricote is most easily identified by its dramatic dark coloration and unique figure patterns. The heartwood often contains bold dark lines and irregular streaking that can resemble landscapes or abstract patterns.
The striking visual contrast between heartwood and sapwood is a defining characteristic.
Key identification traits include:
- Dark brown to near-black heartwood
- Highly contrasting lighter sapwood
- Irregular, web-like figure
- Fine to medium texture
- High density and weight
Working Properties
Ziricote is considered moderately difficult to work due to its density and sometimes irregular grain.
- Machines well with sharp carbide tooling
- Interlocked grain may cause tear-out
- Turns cleanly with proper technique
- Gluing performance is generally reliable
- Polishes to a high, smooth finish
It requires careful machining to preserve figured surfaces.
Safety Note
Dust may cause skin or respiratory irritation in some individuals. Proper dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended when cutting or sanding.
Common Uses
Ziricote is widely used in:
- High-end acoustic guitars
- Luxury furniture
- Decorative veneer
- Live-edge slabs
- Turned objects
Its dramatic figure makes it ideal for focal pieces and statement surfaces.
Sustainability & Notes
Ziricote is not currently listed under CITES, but localized harvesting pressures can impact availability. Responsible sourcing and supplier verification are recommended.
Availability may fluctuate depending on export regulations and forest management practices.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Bocote – A closely related Cordia species known for its bold grain patterns and use in fine woodworking and turning.
Granadillo – A dense tropical hardwood valued for its strength and reddish-brown color, commonly used in musical instruments and specialty woodworking.
Gonçalo Alves – A decorative hardwood known for its striking grain patterns and contrast, often used in furniture and flooring.
Related Guides
Best Woods for Knife Handles – Discover the best hardwoods for custom knife handles based on density, stability, durability, appearance, moisture resistance, and long-term performance.
Wood Toxicity and Allergies Guide – Learn which wood species may cause skin irritation, respiratory reactions, or allergic responses, along with practical safety recommendations for cutting, sanding, and finishing wood.
Bocote vs. Ziricote – Compare two of Mexico’s most striking hardwoods, examining differences in color, grain patterns, workability, durability, stability, and the woodworking projects each species is best suited for.
Zebrawood vs. Goncalo Alves
Explore Zebrawood vs. Goncalo Alves to compare two boldly figured exotic hardwoods and see how their appearance, density, workability, and applications differ.
Wenge vs. Ebony
Explore Wenge vs. Ebony to compare dark exotic hardwoods in color, density, hardness, workability, and high-end woodworking applications.
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
Ziricote is highly sought after by collectors due to its unmistakable figure. Boards with strong “landscape” patterning or dramatic contrast are especially valued.
Because of its limited visual similarity to other species, Ziricote serves as a standout representative of Central American hardwood diversity.
Video Overview
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:
• WEN JT630H 10-Amp 6-Inch Spiral Benchtop Jointer for flattening and straightening wood edges and faces
https://amzn.to/41NWYEu
• TARIST 3-Piece 8″ Wood Rasp File Set for shaping, smoothing, and refining wood surfaces
https://amzn.to/4sQEkXm
• WORKPRO Folding Roller Stand Height Adjustable for supporting long boards during cutting and milling
https://amzn.to/41OB587
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