Rosewood or Cocobolo
(Dalbergia retusa)
A hard figured wood which is used for car dashboards, guitars and other decorative inlays. The very pronounced growth rings and dark luxurious color is very sought after. Cocobolo species is endangered but rapid depletion continues in Nicaragua. Rosewood is slower growing than teak but has a higher market value and almost all of the tree is usable. It can be sold in small small short blocks or even by weight. Primary consumption is in China for small inlays and decorative pieces or carvings.
More about the species
Family: Leguminosae
Scientific Name: Dalbergia retusa
Other Names: Granadillo (Mexico, Guatemala), Funera (El Salvador), Palo negro (Honduras), Nambar (Nicaragua, Costa Rica), Cocobolo, Cocobolo prieto (Panama).
Workability: The heart wood of Andiroba responds very well to all types of machining, and is highly workable with hand tools. The grain sands easily and accepts finishes well. Adhesives respond well to the long grain and end grain.
Drying: Reported to have excellent drying properties, free of surface and end checking. A kiln schedule similar to T1-B1 has been suggested.
Durability: Durability is high, has very high resistance to marine borer attack.
Uses: Highly favored in the cutlery trade for handles, inlay work, brush backs, musical and scientific instruments, jewelry boxes, chessmen, and other specialty items.
Technical Data
Janka hardness: 2,960 lbs
Density: 1,095 Kg/m3 or 1.095 g/cm3
Bending strength: 22,910 psi
Modulous of elasticity: 2,712 (1,000 psi)
Tangential shrinkage: 4.3%
Radial shrinkage: 2.7%
* All values given at 12% moisture content.