Parota

1.85 x 1.85 x 6

Parota Wood (Enterolobium cyclocarpum) is a distinctive tropical hardwood admired for its rich golden-brown coloration, dramatic grain patterns, and excellent woodworking versatility. Also known as Guanacaste or Elephant Ear Tree, Parota is especially popular for its striking heartwood-to-sapwood contrast and attractive natural figure.

The heartwood typically ranges from honey brown and golden amber to medium chocolate brown, often accented by darker streaks and flowing grain patterns. Its lighter, creamy-yellow sapwood creates a beautiful contrast, making each piece unique.

Although Parota is widely recognized for large furniture slabs and live-edge tables, its attractive color and relatively low weight also make it an excellent choice for woodturners, pen makers, knife makers, call makers, and specialty craftsmen.

Whether used for custom pens, bottle stoppers, decorative bowls, game calls, knife handles, or other woodworking projects, Parota offers a combination of natural beauty, workability, and distinctive tropical character.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Enterolobium cyclocarpum (Jacq.) Griseb.

Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)

Genus: Enterolobium

Species: Enterolobium cyclocarpum

Wood Type: Tropical hardwood

Native Origin: Mexico, Central America, and northern South America

Common & Trade Names

Parota, Parota Wood, Guanacaste, Guanacaste Wood, Elephant Ear Tree, Ear Pod Tree, Earpod Tree, Raintree (a potentially ambiguous common name), and Enterolobium cyclocarpum.

Important: The name Raintree is used for several different tree species. This listing specifically identifies Parota as Enterolobium cyclocarpum.

Origin & Distribution

Parota is native to tropical regions of Mexico, Central America, and northern South America.

It is particularly associated with Mexico and Costa Rica, where it grows as a large, broad-canopied tree in tropical forests, open woodland, and seasonally dry environments.

Mature Parota trees can develop enormous trunks and spreading crowns, making the species a valuable source of wide boards and large slabs.

The wood has become popular in furniture making, cabinetry, decorative woodworking, and live-edge furniture.

For woodturners and specialty craftsmen, smaller Parota blanks offer the same beautiful natural color and grain found in larger slabs.

Color & Appearance

Parota is admired for its warm coloration and dramatic contrast between heartwood and sapwood.

Heartwood may display:

Golden brown

Honey brown

Amber

Medium brown

Chocolate brown

Occasional darker streaks

Subtle reddish-brown tones

The sapwood is typically pale yellow to creamy white and often contrasts strongly with the darker heartwood.

Some pieces display relatively straight grain, while others feature sweeping lines, irregular patterns, or natural figure.

Clear finishes can deepen the brown tones and enhance the wood's attractive grain.

Grain & Texture

Parota typically has a coarse texture with open pores and grain that may be straight, irregular, or interlocked.

Common characteristics include:

Coarse texture

Open grain

Straight to interlocked grain

Attractive flowing patterns

Natural color variation

Strong heartwood-to-sapwood contrast

Moderate natural luster

Its open grain gives Parota a distinctive appearance and can create beautiful results in larger turned objects.

For smaller projects such as pens, pore filling may be helpful when a perfectly smooth, high-gloss finish is desired.

Wood Characteristics

Parota is relatively lightweight compared with many dense tropical hardwoods.

Representative characteristics for Enterolobium cyclocarpum include:

Average Dried Weight: Approximately 28 lbs/ft³ (440 kg/m³)

Specific Gravity: Approximately 0.35 basic / 0.44 at 12% moisture content

Janka Hardness: Approximately 470 lbf (2,090 N)

Grain: Straight to interlocked

Texture: Coarse and open-pored

Natural Luster: Moderate

Color: Golden brown to chocolate brown

These are representative species values. Individual blanks may vary depending on moisture content, growing conditions, and grain structure.

Stability & Durability

Properly dried Parota generally offers good dimensional stability for interior woodworking projects.

Its relatively low density can make it easier to work than many harder tropical species.

However, Parota is still subject to normal wood movement caused by changes in moisture and humidity.

The heartwood is generally considered moderately durable, although resistance to decay and insects can vary.

For precision projects such as pens, knife handles, and game calls, properly dried and acclimated material is recommended.

Because Parota is relatively soft, finished items may dent or scratch more easily than those made from harder woods.

Workability & Woodturning

Parota is generally easy to machine and turn, making it appealing to both experienced woodworkers and beginners.

Its relatively low density allows efficient cutting and shaping with sharp tools.

However, the coarse grain and occasional interlocked fibers can cause tear-out, especially when tools are dull.

Working considerations include:

Use sharp turning tools.

Take controlled cuts to minimize tear-out.

Sand carefully to avoid uneven surfaces.

Consider grain filling for a glass-smooth finish.

Avoid excessive pressure when sanding softer areas.

Use appropriate adhesives and finishes for open-pored wood.

Parota is especially suitable for:

Decorative bowls

Small vessels

Bottle stoppers

Custom pens

Pen turning blanks

Game calls

Decorative turnings

Small boxes

Carved objects

Custom handles

Specialty woodworking projects

Its attractive grain and relatively light weight make it particularly appealing for larger decorative turnings.

Finishing

Parota responds well to a variety of finishes that enhance its warm natural colors.

Suitable finishing options include:

Danish oil

Tung oil finishes

Hardwax oils

Shellac

Lacquer

Polyurethane

Cyanoacrylate (CA) finishes for pens

Wax finishes

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

Because Parota has relatively large, open pores, grain filling may be desirable for a perfectly smooth, high-gloss finish.

Oil finishes can create a warm, natural appearance, while film-building finishes can provide additional surface protection.

Testing a finish on a small area is recommended.

Ideal Uses

Parota wood blanks are excellent for:

Pen blanks and custom pens

Decorative bowls and vessels

Bottle stoppers

Game calls

Knife handles and knife scales for lighter-duty decorative applications

Jewelry and accessories

Small boxes

Custom handles

Decorative carving

Furniture accents

Live-edge woodworking

Specialty turning projects

Artistic and collectible pieces

Because Parota is relatively soft, it may not be the best choice for applications requiring exceptional dent or abrasion resistance.

Health & Safety

Parota wood dust can cause irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.

Potential concerns include:

Skin Irritation: Contact with wood dust may cause itching, redness, or dermatitis.

Respiratory Irritation: Fine airborne particles may irritate the nose, throat, and lungs.

Eye Irritation: Dust may cause redness or discomfort.

Sensitization: Repeated exposure may increase sensitivity in susceptible individuals.

When cutting, sanding, drilling, or turning Parota:

Use effective dust extraction.

Wear properly fitted respiratory protection appropriate for fine wood dust.

Use eye protection and a face shield when turning.

Avoid prolonged skin contact with accumulated dust.

Maintain adequate workshop ventilation.

Clean dust using extraction rather than compressed air.

CITES & Conservation

Parota (Enterolobium cyclocarpum) is not generally listed under CITES.

The species has a broad natural distribution and is also cultivated in tropical regions.

However, harvesting regulations and land-management requirements may vary by country and location.

Responsible sourcing and compliance with applicable forestry and trade laws remain important.

International buyers should verify current import and export requirements when necessary.

Interesting Facts

Elephant Ear Tree: Parota gets one of its common names from its distinctive curved seed pods, which resemble ears.

National Tree of Costa Rica: Guanacaste (Enterolobium cyclocarpum) is the national tree of Costa Rica.

Massive Canopy: Mature trees can develop broad, spreading crowns that provide extensive shade.

Popular for Live-Edge Furniture: Its large trunk size makes it a favorite for wide slabs and natural-edge tables.

Lightweight Tropical Hardwood: Parota is considerably lighter than many exotic hardwoods used in turning.

Strong Color Contrast: The creamy sapwood can contrast dramatically with the darker golden-brown heartwood.

Why Choose Parota Wood?

Parota combines warm natural coloration, flowing grain patterns, relatively light weight, and excellent woodworking versatility in one distinctive tropical hardwood.

Its golden-brown, honey, amber, and chocolate tones create a rich appearance, while the lighter sapwood adds beautiful natural contrast.

For woodturners, pen makers, call makers, and fine woodworkers, Parota offers an appealing material for projects that showcase attractive grain without the challenges associated with extremely dense hardwoods.

Whether you're turning a decorative bowl, making a custom pen, crafting a bottle stopper, or creating a specialty woodworking project, Parota provides natural beauty and easy workability.

Oakbrook Wood Turning Supply offers Parota Wood for craftsmen seeking distinctive hardwood blanks with beautiful grain, warm color, and excellent turning potential.

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