What is guanacaste tree?

The Guanacaste tree (Enterolobium cyclocarpum) is a large, tropical tree native to the Americas, specifically found in Central America from Mexico to Panama. It is known for its massive size, reaching heights of up to 100 feet and spreading out over a wide area. The tree has a distinctive, umbrella-shaped canopy with fern-like, compound leaves and produces small, white flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

The Guanacaste tree is highly valued for its timber, which is known for its durability and resistance to rot, making it a popular choice for construction and furniture making. In addition to its economic value, the tree also plays an important ecological role in its native habitats, providing shade, shelter, and food for a variety of wildlife.

In Costa Rica, the Guanacaste tree is a national symbol and is the namesake for the Guanacaste province. It is also known as the "elephant ear tree" due to the shape of its leaves and the "parota tree" in Mexico. The tree is considered sacred by Indigenous cultures in the region and is featured in their myths and stories. Overall, the Guanacaste tree is a culturally significant and ecologically important species in Central America.