Zericote (Cordia dodecandra), or Chakapte as the Mayas call it, is native to the Americas. It is distributed naturally in Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and Cuba. The plant is an important component of dry tropical forests and thickets. It has been introduced in other tropical regions.
Cordia dodecandra is a deciduous tree of up to 30 m in height and 70 cm in diameter. The species has multiple uses. Its trunk is used as support beams and columns in rural houses. The bark and the wood have medicinal properties; the tea obtained from their infusion is used in traditional medicine to treat coughs and diarrhea. The wood is much sought after for the manufacture of furniture, handicrafts, veneer for plywood, and turned articles. This is because of its unique combination of creamy-yellow sapwood encircling swirls of brown and black grains in the heartwood. The leaves are used as sandpaper and as very effective scouring pads to clean household utensils. The flowers are an excellent source of pollen and nectar for bees; the fruits are edible and are used to make preserves and jams, or to feed animals. The trees are valued as shade and ornamental plants in parks, streets and gardens.
Caring for your zericote product is not hard. Just keep in mind that it is a tropical wood, and it needs some humidity. Exposure to extreme heat, cold, or dryness can lead to cracking. Simply rub a very thin coat of olive oil over your zericote product occasionally to help lock in a little moisture and use a paste wax (example: Johnson & Johnson Wax) to renew the shine. To clean after use, wipe with a damp cloth, dry and polish. Do not soak in water, as this will cause the piece to go black.
