The Guanacaste Tree: The National Tree of Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s national tree, the Guanacaste, also known as the Elephant Ear Tree, is a sight you just can’t miss. Standing tall with a spherical crown and expansive shade, this tree is not only a symbol of natural beauty but also of the protective embrace the nation offers its people.

Declared the national tree on August 31, 1959, its widespread branches and strong trunk illustrate stability and strength – qualities deeply revered in Costa Rican culture.

Wandering beneath these giants during Costa Rica’s dry season, you’ll notice the soil around these trees looks healthier. That’s because the Guanacaste is known for improving soil fertility, which is a boon for nearby plants, including coffee plantations.

This tree doesn’t just dominate the landscape with its size – it also nurtures the land. Its green pods, sometimes called monkey ears, burst open with seeds that ensure its lineage continues robustly.

During intense flowering periods, the tree is adorned with white flowers that contrast starkly against its light gray to light brown bark, which creates a mesmerizing spectacle.

The Guanacaste tree serves not just as a shade tree but as a haven for native fauna because it provides shelter from the strong sun and a perch for countless birds.

Getting to Know the National Tree of Costa Rica

Guanacaste Tree

Officially known as ‘Enterolobium cyclocarpum,’ this member of the legume family is a standout in the flora of Costa Rica, where it holds the honor of being the national tree.

This tree is a true giant, with a dome-shaped crown so broad it usually spreads wider than the tree is tall – reaching heights of anywhere from 82 to 164 feet. The trunk itself is no less impressive, boasting a diameter of 6 to 7 feet, cloaked in reddish-brown bark that feels as rugged as it looks.

Rooted most commonly along the Northern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, the Guanacaste thrives in tropical, low-elevation areas, especially in the province that shares its name. It’s not just a towering figure – it’s also a long-liver with a lifespan that can reach up to 70 years.

The tree’s life cycle is punctuated by its production of glossy, dark brown fruits and the blooming of white, round flowers from November to March – aligning with the local high season.

Beyond its visual majesty, the Guanacaste trees play a crucial role in enhancing soil fertility, thanks to their deciduous nature. This means that it not only dominates the landscape but also nurtures it, supporting a network of life that extends far beyond its massive shadow.

These tree species, known for their distinctive Guanacaste seed pods shaped like ears, are remarkable. Often called the monkey ear tree or ear pod tree, these species tend to have horizontal limbs that emerge low, forming a canopy that improves soil fertility beneath them.

As a deciduous tree that produces fruit and distinctive seed pods, the Guanacaste is valued not only for its environmental benefits but also for its practical uses in local ecosystems.

I also made a full list of trees you will find in Costa Rica.

The Cultural Importance of the Guanacaste “Elephant Ear” Tree

Guanacaste trees tend to stand tall not just in stature but in cultural significance across Costa Rica. As Costa Rica’s national tree, it’s more than a backdrop to our landscape – it’s a cornerstone of our heritage.

Starting with the seeds, which are a real treasure here. Not only do they produce green fruit, but the attractive Guanacaste seeds from these ear pod trees are often crafted into stunning pieces of jewelry by local artisans.

But there’s more to these seeds than just beauty. We often boil the green seeds for a nutritious treat. Yet, caution is advised, as the robust growth and strong roots of these seeds classify the Guanacaste as an invasive species in some areas.

Guanacaste wood is both water-resistant and lightweight, making it ideal for a variety of crafts. From furniture and structural pieces (doors and window frames) to more traditional uses (cartwheels and ships), its versatility is unmatched.

Beyond its practical uses, some locals turn to the Guanacaste tree for its medicinal qualities. The tree’s bark and sap might be used to treat everything from colds to lung infections and even as a natural soap substitute.

This tree doesn’t just support us – it supports our wildlife as well. Its broad, horizontal limbs provide shade, and its Guanacaste flowers and fruits offer nourishment to our cattle and wildlife. Truly, every part of the Guanacaste tree plays a role in nurturing life here in Costa Rica.

There are many things to do in Guanacaste, and seeing the famous elephant ear tree is definitely one of them.

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Tim Schmidt is a 20+ year Entrepreneur and Digital Marketer. A Fort Lauderdale-based "Digital Nomad," he enjoys traveling as much as possible with family and friends. AllWorld is his escape to document all of his adventures, including being a hardcore "foodie." He has property in Costa Rica and visits several times each year and is happy to offer his expert advice for planning your trip. Make sure to download the AllWorld Travel Hacks FREE ebook.

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