Guanacaste tree
Enterolobium cyclocarpum
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Pl. 49F0 — Enterolobium cyclocarpum
Enterolobium cyclocarpumEnterolobium cyclocarpumEnterolobium cyclocarpumEnterolobium cyclocarpumEnterolobium cyclocarpumEnterolobium cyclocarpumEnterolobium cyclocarpumEnterolobium cyclocarpumEnterolobium cyclocarpumEnterolobium cyclocarpumEnterolobium cyclocarpumEnterolobium cyclocarpumEnterolobium cyclocarpumEnterolobium cyclocarpum
IOverview
Overview
The Guanacaste tree (Enterolobium cyclocarpum) is a large tree native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, including Suriname, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and French Guiana. Known for its light requirements, it thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that can range from light (sandy) to heavy (clay). This tree can grow up to 30 meters tall and is valued not only for its ornamental beauty but also for its edible seed and seedpod. One distinctive feature of the Guanacaste tree is its ability to produce a large, flat seedpod that splits open when ripe, revealing numerous seeds.
Quick answers
What is Guanacaste tree?
The Guanacaste tree (Enterolobium cyclocarpum) is a large tree native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, including Suriname, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and French Guiana.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Guanacaste tree thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 10-12 and can grow up to 30 meters tall. For propagation, seeds and seedpods are viable methods. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist for optimal growth.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Habit
Tree
Mature size
30.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Guanacaste tree for the first time
8steps
Start with a Guanacaste tree to add shade and beauty to your garden, focusing on basic care.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Guanacaste tree or seedling, a small pot for starting seeds if planting from them.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather is warm and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay. Ensure containers are at least 10 liters for young trees.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Plant seeds directly in the ground if possible; otherwise, start them in a small pot and transplant after they grow roots.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in full sun for best growth.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure and regular watering, especially during dry spells. Fertilize lightly once a year with organic compost.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Focus on pruning to shape the tree and remove dead branches; seed pods can be harvested for decorative purposes but are not commonly used.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poorly draining soil, neglecting regular pruning, and exposing young trees to extreme temperatures.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:SeedSeedpod
Edible uses: Coffee, Gum
Other uses:Animal feedFire starterGumHedgerowtextilesSoapTanninLumberCoppiceNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
20 native · 10 introduced
Distribution
20 native · 10 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 20 native· 10 introduced
Asia1 region
introduced (1)China
Americas17 regions
native (12)BelizeBoliviaColombiaCosta RicaEl SalvadorFrench GuianaGuatemalaGuyanaHondurasNicaraguaSurinameVenezuela
introduced (5)CubaDominican RepublicHaitiJamaicaUnited States
Africa1 region
introduced (1)Ghana
Broader regions
native:Brazil North, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Panamá
introduced:Bismarck Archipelago, Central African Repu, Chagos Archipelago
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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