Back to National Simbols   Visit National Flower

Costa Rica Nacional Tree

Guanacaste Tree

It was declared like the national tree of Costa Rica in August 31 of 1959, during the government of the President Mario Echandi Jiménez, by decree no. 7. It was chosen like tribute to the guanacastecos, by its annexation of the Political Party of Nicoya to the country in 1824.

Besides, it was taken into account because for many, the great shade that gives this beautiful tree is similar the protection that the State offers to all Costa Ricans.

The scientific name of the Guanacaste tree is "Enterolobium cyclocarpum", pertaining to the family of "Fabaceae Mimosoideae". In natural state, it is distributed in both coasts, as much the Pacific as the Atlantic, but it is commonest in the Pacific, in altitudes that go up to around 0 and 1300 msnm. It has been saw specimens in Mexico, Central America, the north of South America and the Antillas.

It can get to measure fifteen meters of height and the diameter of its trunk can be of up to four meters. It is a tree of caducifolio type. It is considered like a lively tree by its power and long life that goes of the 60 to 70 years.

Its more remarkable characteristic is the extensive lushness of its branches, and the permanent greenness of his top. The flowers are small; its fruits are almost circular vegetables and have formed of an ear, that's why it was given its native name in náhuatl (Guautil - tree y Nacaztli - ear), that it means tree of the ear.

The seeds are used to elaborate crafts, like the fruits. Besides it is used like raw material for the soap elaboration and constitutes an important food source for some animals, as much domestic as wild.

Back to National Simbols   Visit National Flower