Bocote Bolivian/ Picana Negra Pen Blank X-Cut

.84 x .84 x 5.75

Picana Negra Wood – Laurel Preto

Picana Negra Wood (Cordia megalantha), also known in the specialty hardwood trade as Laurel Preto, is an attractive tropical hardwood valued for its warm brown coloration, contrasting grain patterns, and versatility in fine woodworking. Native to parts of Mexico and Central America, this distinctive wood offers a combination of natural beauty and workability that appeals to woodturners, pen makers, knife makers, call makers, and specialty craftsmen.

Its heartwood can feature golden-brown, olive-brown, and chocolate-brown tones, sometimes accented by darker streaks. These natural variations give each blank a unique appearance and make Picana Negra an appealing choice for custom pens, knife handles, bottle stoppers, game calls, decorative turnings, and other specialty woodworking projects.

With its attractive grain, moderate density, and ability to take a smooth finish, Picana Negra provides a beautiful alternative to more commonly used exotic hardwoods.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Cordia megalantha S.F.Blake

Family: Boraginaceae

Genus: Cordia

Species: Cordia megalantha

Wood Type: Tropical hardwood

Primary Origin: Mexico and Central America

Common & Trade Names

Picana Negra, Picana Negra Wood, Laurel Preto, Laurel Preto Wood, Laurel Negro, and Cordia megalantha.

Important: Common and trade names for Cordia species vary by region. Laurel, Laurel Negro, and similar names may also refer to other woods. This listing specifically identifies the material as Cordia megalantha.

Origin & Distribution

Cordia megalantha is native to tropical regions of Mexico and Central America, including Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama.

The species grows in tropical forest environments and is valued regionally for timber and woodworking.

Its wood has been used in furniture, cabinetry, joinery, and other woodworking applications.

Compared with widely marketed tropical hardwoods, Picana Negra is relatively uncommon in the specialty turning-blank market, making it an interesting option for craftsmen seeking less familiar wood species.

Color & Appearance

Picana Negra offers warm natural colors and attractive grain contrast.

Heartwood may display:

Golden brown

Honey brown

Olive brown

Medium chocolate brown

Dark brown

Subtle grayish-brown tones

Occasional darker streaks

Sapwood is generally lighter, ranging from pale yellow to cream.

Color and grain patterns vary naturally between pieces, and some blanks may display stronger contrast than others.

A clear finish can deepen the heartwood color and emphasize its natural grain.

Grain & Texture

Picana Negra typically has a medium texture, with grain that may be straight, irregular, or interlocked.

Common characteristics include:

Straight to interlocked grain

Attractive brown grain contrast

Medium texture

Natural color variation

Moderate natural luster

Occasional irregular figure

Its grain structure can create attractive patterns in turned projects, particularly when the wood is carefully sanded and finished.

Wood Characteristics

Picana Negra is generally considered a moderately dense tropical hardwood.

Published mechanical-property data specifically verified for Cordia megalantha are limited, so exact density and hardness figures should not be assumed from other Cordia species.

Representative characteristics include:

Wood Type: Tropical hardwood

Density: Moderate; varies with the individual tree and moisture content

Janka Hardness: Reliable species-specific figure not established here

Grain: Straight to interlocked

Texture: Medium

Natural Luster: Moderate

Color: Golden brown to dark brown

Wood properties can vary significantly between species within the Cordia genus.

Stability & Durability

Properly dried Picana Negra can be suitable for interior woodworking and small turned projects.

Like other hardwoods, it can expand or contract in response to changes in moisture and humidity.

The dimensional stability and decay resistance of individual blanks depend on drying, grain orientation, storage conditions, and the wood's natural characteristics.

For precision projects such as pens, knife handles, and game calls, proper acclimation before machining is recommended.

Workability & Woodturning

Picana Negra is an appealing wood for turning and general woodworking because of its attractive color and grain.

Sharp tools and careful cutting techniques are recommended, particularly when working with irregular or interlocked grain.

Lighter cuts may help reduce tear-out, while careful sanding can produce a smooth finished surface.

Potential uses include:

Custom pens

Pen turning blanks

Knife handles

Knife scales

Bottle stoppers

Duck calls

Game calls

Turkey call components

Decorative turnings

Small boxes

Jewelry

Custom handles

Fine woodworking projects

As with any unfamiliar hardwood, testing a small piece can help determine the best cutting speeds, tool angles, and finishing methods.

Finishing

Picana Negra can produce an attractive finished appearance when carefully prepared.

Suitable finishing options may include:

Danish oil

Tung oil finishes

Hardwax oils

Shellac

Lacquer

Polyurethane

Cyanoacrylate (CA) finishes for pens

Wax finishes

Clear finishes can enhance its golden-brown and chocolate-brown tones while emphasizing darker grain patterns.

Sanding through progressively finer grits helps prepare the surface for finishing.

Testing finishes on a small area is recommended, especially when preserving the wood's natural coloration is important.

Ideal Uses

Picana Negra wood blanks are suitable for:

Pen blanks and custom pens

Woodturning projects

Knife handles and knife scales

Bottle stoppers

Duck calls and game calls

Turkey call components

Small decorative vessels

Jewelry and accessories

Decorative boxes

Custom handles

Fine carving

Specialty woodworking

Artistic and collectible projects

Health & Safety

Specific toxicological information for Cordia megalantha wood dust is limited.

However, wood dust from many hardwood species can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Potential concerns include:

Respiratory Irritation: Inhalation of dust may irritate the nose, throat, and respiratory system.

Eye Irritation: Fine airborne particles may cause discomfort.

Skin Irritation: Contact with dust may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Individual Sensitivity: Reactions vary, and repeated exposure should be minimized.

When cutting, sanding, drilling, or turning Picana Negra:

Use effective dust collection.

Wear properly fitted respiratory protection appropriate for fine wood dust.

Use safety glasses or a face shield as appropriate.

Avoid prolonged contact with accumulated dust.

Maintain adequate workshop ventilation.

Clean work areas using dust extraction rather than compressed air.

These are general woodworking precautions rather than claims of a confirmed species-specific toxicity profile.

CITES & Conservation

Cordia megalantha is not generally recognized as a CITES-listed timber species.

However, international trade requirements, harvesting regulations, and conservation assessments may differ by country and can change over time.

Buyers should verify current regulations and any required documentation before importing or exporting Picana Negra wood.

Responsible sourcing remains important for all tropical hardwoods.

Interesting Facts

Part of the Cordia Genus: Picana Negra belongs to the same botanical genus as Ziricote (Cordia dodecandra), although the two are different species.

Central American Hardwood: Cordia megalantha is native to tropical regions of Mexico and Central America.

Distinctive Natural Color: Its brown tones and darker grain patterns can produce attractive decorative turnings.

Specialty Wood: Picana Negra is less commonly encountered in woodturning catalogs than many popular exotic hardwoods.

Trade Name Variation: Common names can vary between countries and timber suppliers, making botanical identification especially valuable.

Why Choose Picana Negra Wood?

Picana Negra offers warm natural coloration, attractive grain contrast, and versatile woodworking potential in a distinctive Central American hardwood.

Its golden-brown, olive-brown, and chocolate-brown tones create a classic hardwood appearance, while natural grain variations give individual blanks their own character.

For woodturners, pen makers, knife makers, call makers, and fine woodworkers, Picana Negra provides an interesting alternative to more familiar exotic hardwoods.

Whether you're turning a custom pen, crafting a knife handle, making a bottle stopper, or creating a decorative piece, Picana Negra offers natural beauty and the opportunity to create something unique.

Oakbrook Wood Turning Supply offers Picana Negra Wood, also known as Laurel Preto, for craftsmen seeking distinctive exotic hardwood blanks for specialty turning and woodworking projects.

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