Trade Names:  Cocobolo, Grenadillo

Origin: Mexico, Central America, South America

Range:  Central and northeastern parts of South America, particularly down the west coast of Nicaragua, but also in Mexico, Costa Rica, Honduras and Panama. The Dalbergia hypoleuca is often listed as Cocobolo.

Uses:  Veneer for architectural woodwork or inlays, all kinds of handles, parts of woodwind instruments (but not for mouthpieces).

Properties:  The heartwood is red to dark brown with black lines. Due to its high oil content the surface appears dense with waxy luster. An absolutely superior wood.

Machining:  Due to its high density and interlocking grain this wood is very difficult to machine. Preference is to be given to carbide-tipped tools. Planed surfaces can be very smooth.

Seasoning:  This wood can be dried only with the greatest care and precautions must be taken to obtain the final product free of checking. It is of advantage to season in log form.