Pochote
(Bombacopsis quinata)
Pochote is also known as Spiny Cedar or Cedro Espino. This species is indigenous to Nicaragua and the surrounding areas. It is one of the most coveted woods among locals and is used in furniture and boat building. Pochote is a rapid growing pioneer species that prospers in the dry tropical pasturelands of the pacific coast. Pochote is also a CITES protected species due to is high regional demand and limited optimal growth areas.
More about the species
Family: Bombacaceae
Scientific Name: Bombacopsis quinata
Other Names: Cedro espino (Honduras, Nicaragua), Saquisaqui (Venezuela), Ceiba tolua (Colombia).
Workability: The wood has been reported as easy to work, finishing smoothly; also easy to nail.
Drying: Air-seasons very slowly, required almost a year to dry 8/4 stock to a moisture content of 20%. Warp and checking slight.
Durability: The heartwood is rated as durable in its resistance to white-rot fungi, very durable in resistance to brown rots. Susceptible to attack by both dry-wood and subterranean termites. Good resistance to marine borers reported in Panama waters.
Uses: Used locally for general construction, interior finish, millwork, furniture stock, veneer and plywood, particleboard, and pulp and paper products.
Technical Data
Janka hardness: 720 lbs
Density: 450 Kg/m3 or 0.45 g/cm3
Bending strength: 10,490 psi
Modulous of elasticity: 1,400 (1,000 psi)
Tangential shrinkage: 6.2%
Radial shrinkage: 3.1%
* All values given at 12% moisture content.