Cocobolo is a dense, richly colored tropical hardwood used mainly for turning, handles, inlay, instruments and other small specialty work. The name usually refers to Dalbergia retusa, but it is also used for a related wood, so the trade name alone does not establish a piece’s species or origin. Fine dust can irritate skin, and buyers should seek clear species and sourcing information.
What is cocobolo?
Cocobolo is a common timber name most often associated with Dalbergia retusa, a tree in the legume family (Fabaceae). Kew records the species’ native range from southeastern Mexico through Central America to Colombia, including Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. Kew’s Plants of the World Online accepts D. retusa as the species name.
“Cocobolo” is not a reliable species label by itself. CITES material notes that Dalbergia granadillo may also be sold under that name and that the two woods can be difficult to distinguish in trade. The CITES tropical-wood guide lists “cocobolo” for D. retusa and “cocobolo granadillo” for D. granadillo. The CITES proposal and CITES identification guide show why buyers should ask which species a seller means.
What does cocobolo wood look like and how does it behave?
The USDA Forest Products Laboratory describes cocobolo heartwood as yellowish to orange-brown when freshly cut, darkening to deep reddish-brown with dark brown to purplish-black streaks. The wood is dense, fine-textured and oily; its natural oils can help it take a good polish, but may make gluing difficult. The USDA sheet also describes it as highly durable and resistant to marine borers. USDA Forest Products Laboratory: Dalbergia retusa (Cocobolo).
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- Wood Type: Cocobolo Rosewood - Premium Hand Selected for Best Grain and Color
- Botanical Name: Dalbergia Retusa
- Size: 3/4" x 3/4" x 5" Long
- Quantity: This listing is for a pack of 10 blanks
- Used for Pen Kits, Project Kits and dozens of other applications. PLEASE NOTE: One end of the pen blanks are painted a unique color for easy wood identification. (Not shown in Photo)
Color and figure vary, so a species name does not guarantee a particular appearance. For a project where color, streaking or a glue joint matters, inspect the actual stock and consider how the wood’s natural oils affect the planned construction.
What is cocobolo used for?
Its density, appearance, polish and durability suit smaller, high-value craft pieces more readily than routine building work. Reported uses include turning, cutlery handles, inlay, brush backs, musical and scientific instruments, jewelry boxes, chessmen and decorative objects. CITES notification material also mentions luxury furniture and small decorative goods; these examples do not establish how much wood is currently used in any market. CITES Notification No. 2025/030.
Spain’s Ministry of Culture records granadillo wood in luxury furniture, including pieces associated with the Escorial library and seventeenth-century furnishings. That is historical context, not evidence that cocobolo is a practical choice for ordinary construction. Spain’s Ministry of Culture: “Madera de granadillo”.
Is cocobolo toxic or hazardous to work with?
The available wood-safety information supports a specific caution, not a complete toxicology verdict: the USDA Forest Products Laboratory reports that fine cocobolo dust may cause dermatitis or a rash resembling poison ivy. It does not specify an exposure threshold or test a particular protection product. Reduce dust at the source, keep work areas clean, and use suitable respiratory and skin protection for the task. Avoid breathing dust and limit skin contact, especially if irritation occurs.
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- Wood Name : Cocobolo, Cocobola, Cocabola. Sized at 1.5x1.5x18 inch.
- Botanical Name : Dalbergia retusa.
- Dried : Yes, Kiln Dried
- Moisture Content : 6-7%
How to choose cocobolo stock
For turning blanks, inlay or another specialty project, evaluate the material and its documentation before buying:
- Confirm the species. Ask whether the stock is D. retusa or another wood sold as cocobolo.
- Ask about provenance and paperwork. Seek information about origin and applicable trade documentation rather than relying on the common name.
- Match the blank to the job. Check dimensions and usable yield against the finished part, and inspect the color and grain figure.
- Plan for the wood’s oils. If the design depends on glued joints, verify that the proposed preparation and adhesive are suitable; the USDA notes that natural oils can make gluing difficult.
CITES proposal material describes concern about demand, exploitation and loss of tropical dry-forest ecosystems when discussing controls for D. retusa. That context makes traceable identity and provenance relevant. The proposal is not, by itself, a current permit guide: trade requirements can depend on the current listing and annotations, product form, shipment and jurisdiction. Consult the relevant national authority for a specific transaction.
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- Wood Type: Cocobolo Rosewood - Multi-Toned
- Botanical Name: Dalbergia Retusa
- Size: 3/4" x 3/4" x 5" Long
- Quantity: This listing is for a pack of 10 blanks
- Used for Pen Kits, Project Kits and dozens of other applications. PLEASE NOTE: One end of the pen blanks are painted a unique color for easy wood identification. (Not shown in Photo)
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- Central America
- Hard and heavy wood
- Medium fine texture
- Excellent turning properties
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