Cocobolo (Botanical: Dalbergia retusa)

Cocobolo Characteristics

Hard and heavy for sure, but machines and turns nicely. Finishes very smoothly, partly because oils in the wood produce a natural polish; however that may cause adhesion problems with lacquer or urethane finishes. The tree is small and irregular, so boards are also (generally speaking) small.

Color Range

Variegated orange, yellow dark red with irregular black stripes.

Other Names

Cocobolo, Nicaraguan rosewood, Granadillo, Jacarandaholz, Palisander, Palissandro, Nambar, Rosewood, Pau preto Urauna, Palo negro, Funera, Cocobolo prieto, Palisandre

Some Typical Uses

Turnings, handles, musical instruments, inlay, fine accessories, jewelry, accents, some furniture parts, flooring.

What's the Tree Like?

A rather small to medium tree that matures to heights about 45-60 feet. Trunks are 18-24'' but form poorly with odd shape.

Cocobolo grows in

Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua