Cocobolo
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Cocobolo (Dalbergia retusa) is a hardwood in the rosewood genus Dalbergia, family Fabaceae. It is native to tropical South America.
Cocobolo is a mid-sized tree, reaching 14-18 m in height in the natural rainforest, with a trunk diameter up to 60 cm, usually of irregular form. The poorly formed stems yield uniquely figured and highly-prized wood.
Because of its great beauty and high value, cocobolo has been heavily exploited and is now in danger of extinction outside of national parks and reserves.
One of the true tropical rosewoods, cocobolo is a very beautiful wood, ranging from a beautiful rich dark brick red, to reddish or dark brown, with a figuring of darker irregular traces weaving through the wood. It is fine textured and oily in look and feel. The wood has excellent working characteristics and the natural oils give the wood a natural luster. Cocobolo is highly durable and strong, but, because of its scarcity and high value, it is used for its rare beauty rather than its strength or durability.
Uses
Only small amounts of this prized wood reach the world market, and usually in pieces of small dimension. Cocobolo is highly favored for fine furniture and cabinetry, fine inlay work, brush backs, knife handles, musical instruments, decorative and figured veneers, bowls, jewelry boxes, and other expensive specialty items. Care must be used when working Cocobolo as its oils are mildly toxic.