Huanacaxtle tree seeds

The huanacaxtle (Enterolobium cyclocarpum) is a large timber tree species that belongs to the Fabaceae family¹. It is native to the tropical deciduous forests of Central America and is considered an endemic species in Mexico and some dry areas of the Pacific slope in Central America, South America and the Antilles¹. This tree grows in open spaces, reaching 40-45 m and has a short, thick trunk 3 m in diameter¹.

The huanacaxtle is a tropical tree that usually grows up to 35 meters high, and if it has enough space, its crown develops extended like a large umbrella, wide and majestic, of great beauty². Its foliage is fine and delicate, composed of bipinnate leaves, the inflorescences are white and spherical, and its mature fruits are flattened pods that grow in a circular shape².

The name Guanacaste comes from the Aztec language “Guautil”: tree; “Nacaztli”: ear (something like the tree of ears or the tree that hears). This is due to the shape of its fruits, hard, bright brown pods shaped like an ear².

Characteristics:

1. Size: The Huanacaxtle is a large tree that can reach heights of up to 30 meters.
2. Foliage: Its leaves are compound and bipinnate, meaning they have small leaflets or leaflets arranged in pairs along a central stem.
3. Flowers: Produces small, fragrant flowers that are white or light yellow in color.
5. Fruits: The fruits are long pods that contain seeds. These pods are flat and spiral-shaped.
6. Bark: The bark is rough and grayish in color.
7. Wood: Parota wood is highly valued for its durability and beauty, and is used in the construction of furniture, boats and crafts.

Uses :

1. Wood: Parota wood is highly appreciated in carpentry and furniture manufacturing due to its beauty and durability.
2. Shade: Due to its size, it is used as a shade tree in tropical areas.
3. Animal feed: The seeds and young leaves of the tree are used as food for livestock.

Soil: The Huanacaxtle prefers well-drained and fertile soils. It adapts to a variety of soil types, but will grow best in well-drained soil.

Climate: The Huanacaxtle is a tropical tree that thrives in warm, humid climates. It prefers warm temperatures throughout the year and does not tolerate frost.

Temperature: The tree prefers temperatures ranging between 25°C and 30°C, and should not be exposed to sustained cold temperatures.