Cordyline For Bows?

[Et_tu_brute]

We've just cut down a cordyline we've had growing in our garden for a while and I was wondering if it may be useable for bows? I've got 2 nice 3-4' sections that I was thinking I could split then splice together. Haven't got any pics of the actual logs but this is a pic of a very similar cordyline to what we cut down.



Any advice appreciated.

[rileyconcrete]

Never even heard of it.  But what the heck give it a try, sounds like you have got enough to work with, try it out and see what happens.  good luck.

Tell

[sailordad]

is it a type of palm?

from what i have heard palms are noe good,except for black palm
but only one sure way to know
dry several pieces and try several differant styles and see if it works

[KenH]

Cordyline isn't really a palm, although it is similar in exterior appearance.  Think of it as a giant asparagus -- it belongs to the botanical family Asparagaceae!  What the woody structure is like, I don't know.  Make a couple bows and see how they work!

[Et_tu_brute]

Thanks guys, my thinking was that hopefully it may be similar to Black Palm, however it would appear its not so much alike. Anyhow, there's only one way to find out if its any good or not! I've split the smaller log in half and will leave it to dry, I'll split the larger piece soon. Its very damp inside, more so than other logs that I've split from true trees. The structure itself feels like somewhere in-between bamboo and normal wood, however there aren't any discernible growth rings.

[JW_Halverson]

I'm always fascinated with how we bowyers ALL seem to be looking for the next piece of wood.  Just like junkies and the next fix. 

Keep us up to date on how this turns out, Brute

[Del the cat]

If it doesn't make a bow, try it boiled with a bit of butter and vinegar .
Del

[walkabout]

just did some searching for this tree and it seems indigenous peoples used to use the fibers for making ropes. wikipedia says the fibers are stronger than flax, although that site isnt exactly the final word when it comes to research. like everyone else said all you can do is try it.