The National Tree - Guanacaste

General Information:

The "Guanacaste" (Enterolobium cyclocarpum), a native tree to Costa Rica, was designated the National Tree on August 31, 1959. It belongs to the legume family and the subfamily of the mimosas. It is found along the coasts of Central America as well as in Cuba and in the lowlands of the Antilles.

The Guanacaste Tree grows at sea level and up to 900 m. (2,952 ft.) Its height varies from 25 m. (82 ft.) to 50 m. (164 ft.) high. The diameter of its trunk is usually 2 m (6.6 ft.). It grows fast in low and sunny lands, especially in Guanacaste. It has a robust trunk, a broad spreading canopy and a beautiful overall appearance.

"Guanacaste" means "ear tree", named so since its compressed and curled seedpods look like ears. During March and April, the "vainas", its fruit, turn dark brown as it ripens and then falls. Its fruit generally carries between 10 and 22 seeds, which are commonly used in handicrafts. Its flower is white and rounded.

The Guanacaste's water-resistant wood is easy to work with. It is used in carpentry and ornamental crafts. The rich tannic bark is used as a cold medicine and coloring; the sap is used to relieve bronchitis. In the fields, it provides shade and food to cattle for they eat its branches, leaves, and fruit.

Its thick long branches grow horizontally. The tree not only supports and takes root on the soil, but also absorbs the surrounding soil forming bulky roots that spread around the surface.

Meaning:

The tree represents universal equilibrium and sacred creation, the renewal of one's faith on earth, the power of Mother Nature, the power of free choice given by God and the transient condition of human life on earth.

It is a symbol of stability and growth; it provides a better perception of the valleys and mountains and represents the growing pride of Costa Rican identity.

The strong and firm roots represent the attachment to life. Its hard trunk represents the will and the branches are the protectors of creative peace. The top of the tree is associated with spiritual consciousness.