Distribution and Habitat 
The tree is well known locally. It grows throughout Central America. 
Abundant supplies were ' available in 194-3 in' Costa Rica, the West Indies, 
northern South America, and Mexico (2, 3, 6, 7). 
The Tree 
The trees grow rapidly and make excellent shade trees because of their broad 
tops. They form one of the 3 or A groups of largest trees in the forests of 
Central America. They may reach heights of 4-0 to 100 feet or more, and 
diameters of 2 to 8 feet, but the trunks seldom are very long (2, 4). 
The seed pods are said to be excellent feed for cattle. The seeds and young 
pods are sometimes cooked for human food. The pods, which are broad and 
flat, are coiled so that they suggest a human ear (4_, 7). 
The fruit and bark are rich in tannin. They are often used as a soap substi- 
tute and are also believed to have some medicinal properties. Gum exuding 
from the trunk is used locally as a remedy for bronchitis. 
The Wood 
Color 
The heartwood is variable in color, often suggesting United States black 
walnut ( Juglans ) , but it may show various shadings and is sometimes tinged 
\tfith red or yellow. It has been rated as fairly attractive but hardly 
classed as a high-grade furniture wood* The sapwood may be quite thick and 
white or cream colored (2, 4). 
Weight 
Guanacaste is rather hard and heavy. The specific gravity air diy is 0,35 
to 0.60, and the wood weighs 22 to 37 pounds per cubic foot (4). 
Texture, Grain, and Figure 
The tree grows rapidly. The texture of the wood is rather coarse; the pores 
are open and rather large* They occur singly or in pairs, and are rather 
scarce. The rays are fine and indistinct (4-). Crotch material is common and 
produces figured wood suitable for paneling (2). Cross grain may occur, and 
gelatinous fibers may cause rough or fuzzy surfaces. 
Rept, No. 1985 -2- 
