sacaste

Sacaste, also called guanacaste, is the common name for Enterolobium cyclocarpum, a large tree in the legume family (Fabaceae). It is native to tropical Central America and parts of northern South America and is especially common in dry forest and savanna ecosystems. In Costa Rica the tree is widely associated with the name guanacaste and is regarded as the national tree, a symbol of the Guanacaste Province.

Description and ecology

Sacaste is a tall, deciduous tree that can reach substantial size, typically growing 15 to 25 meters tall with a broad, spreading crown. It has compound leaves and small, inconspicuous flowers. The tree is best known for its distinctive, curved seed pods that resemble ears, which can be long and showy. The species is adapted to seasonal drought and often contributes shade and microhabitat complexity in dry landscapes, supporting a range of fauna and acting as a valuable component of agroforestry systems.

Distribution and habitat

Enterolobium cyclocarpum ranges from southern Mexico through Central America and into parts of northern South America, favoring tropical dry forests, woodlands, and pasture margins. It is frequently planted in rural landscapes as a shade tree and windbreak, and it can establish in disturbed or degraded sites where moisture is seasonal.

Uses and cultural significance

The timber is durable and used in construction, carpentry, and sometimes boat-building. The tree’s shade and ecological role have made it a common feature in ranching and reforestation projects. Culturally, its prominence in Central American landscapes has made sacaste a recognizable symbol in several countries, particularly in Costa Rica where it is celebrated as the national tree.

Conservation

While not globally endangered, sacaste populations face pressures from deforestation and land-use change in parts of its range. Conservation and reforestation efforts help maintain its ecological and cultural value.