Anyone ever try turning "Thousand Eye Bodhi" pods?

[Dalepix]

I picked up these "Thousand Eye Bodhi" seed pods while in Beijing recently. I was watching a guy polish them and thought they maht work as a pen blank. This is what I ended up with and I kind of like it.
Has anyone else tried turning these?

 

[Charlie_W]

Very unique look! Nice job !

 

[magpens]

Very nice and unique !!

Is that material related to vegetable ivory (tagua nut) ?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phytelephas

 

[flyitfast]

Interesting, and nice!!!

 

[Woodchipper]

Interesting material. Is it available anywhere in the USA? Any problems with bringing them through customs?

 

[Jim15]

Great looking pen. Have never heard of the Bodhi though.

 

[Dalepix]

I checked and these are not related to tagua. Also a lot harder and they heat up tremendously when drilling or polishing. I have to admit I avoided customs when I snuck two of the pods in. My biology background made me microwave them for a few minutes before I packed them.
I was hoping folks here knew more about them and had a local source. . . but . . . I know a girl in Beijing who could get me more.

 

[eharri446]

If you can get some, I would be interested in a couple. I think they would make beautiful ear rings for my wife.