Plants

Icaco | Cocoplum, Paradise Plum | Chrysobalanus icaco | Chrysobalanus icaco is a shrub 1–3 metres (3.3–9.8 ft), or bushy tree 2–6 metres (6.6–20 ft), rarely to 10 metres (33 ft). It has evergreen broad-oval to nearly round somewhat leathery leaves (3 to 10 cm long and 2.5 to 7 cm wide). Leaf colors range from green to light red. The bark is greyish or reddish brown, with white specks.The flowers are small, white, in clusters, appearing in late spring. In late...

Gardenia | Gardenia | Gardenia jasminoides | This tropical flower has one of the best  fragrances ever smelled. This is one of many plants that belong to the coffee family. It is an evergreen shrub or small tree that has broad glossy dark green leaves. The flowers and leaves make this a very desirable shrub.

Limón criollo, limón ácido | Key Lime, West Indian Lime | Limonia aurantifolia |  This shrub originallly came from southeast Asia. It gorws no higher thatn 12 feet high, with slender branches that have short spines. A great small  lime for drinks and of course perfect for making the famous Key Lime Pie.  A wonderful  addition to one's garden. 

Matrimonia arbole | Orchid Tree, Camel's Foot | Bauhinia arborea | Bauhinia variegata  is a very popular ornamental tree grown in subtropical and tropical climates. Known for its scented flowers, it is native to southeastern Asia, from southern China west to Pakistan and India. It is a small to medium-sized tree growing to 10–12 m tall, deciduous in the dry season. Great addition to a garden. Hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers. 

Guayaba de mono | Monkey apple, Needle flower tree, Perfume | Posoqueria latifolia | Species: Posoqueria latifolia Synonym: Solena latifolia Origin: Mexico to Northern South America Zone: 10a – 12b, 28°F minimum Growth Rate: Fast Flowering Month(s): March - May Leaf Retention: Evergreen Messiness: Medium Salt Tolerance: Low Drought Tolerance: Low Nutritional Requirements: High Typical Height: 8-20 ft. (2.4m-6 m) Uses: Garden, Park, Specimen, StreetscapeOther details: This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies...

Cañafistula | Golden Shower | Cassia fistula |  Native to the Indian Subcontinent and nearby regions of Southeast Asia this ornamental tree is best known for  its glorious yellow flowers. When in bloom the flowers are so dense one often does not see the tree's leaves. Fairly drought tolerant.  The tree has strong and very durable wood, 

Limon dulce | Sweet lemon | Citrus limetta | Known as sweet lime, lemon limonsón or Rome ( Citrus × limetta ), more lemon-like in size, skin thickness and color, is distinguished mainly by its very low astringency and by the characteristic nipples at both ends.http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lima_(fruta)

Mussaenda | Red flag bush, Tropical Dogwood | Mussaenda erythrophylla |  West African shrub. Abundant color . We currently carry white, pink, and orange/apricot color . 

Naranja Washington | Washington navel | Citrus sinensis washington |  Delicious, seedless, easy-peeling  citrus.

Moringa | Moringa oleifera | Native to the southern foothills of the Himalayas in northwestern India, this decidouos fast growing tree has been cultivated for its beneficial nutritional value. It has been cultivated for its leaves, pods, and/or its kernels for oil extraction and water purification. The oil has been used as a food supplement, as a base for cosmetics, and for hair and the skin. Many proclaim Miranga's medicinal benefits and along with its strong nutritional benefits; it is often...

Budda Belly Bamboo | Bambusa vulgaris Wamin | This palm is exotic with unusual  bulging canes that make this a great additional  garden feature giviing an Asian tropical feel. Although we have classifed this in our ornamental shade tree category, Bambusa vulgaris Wamin, like all bamboo actually is a member of the grass family.  Without a doubt we had to carry this because it is one of Brennan's favorites. "Bamboo is the fastest growing plant in the world, and thus annually...

Fruta de Pan | Breadfruit | Artocarpus altilis | Breadfruit trees have wonderfully large unique thick leaves with deeply cut pinate lobes. They produce an abundant of fruit which can be prepared in several ways. My father insisted we grow these since he had them at his nursery in Grand Cayman.  It took us a while to find them. They are a favorite cocktail hour food in our family ... adults and great grandchildren alike. Sliced thinly and cooked in a little oil till light golden brown with a...

Palo de agua, mayo blanco, chancho | White Mahogany, White Yemeri, Creole | Vochysia guatemalensis | Vochysia guatemalensis is a medium to large tree, 30-55 m tall with diameter of 0.5-1.5 m. The bole is cylindrical and sometimes bifurcate, with smooth and pale bark. The crown is rounded or depressed, the branchlets glabrous; stipules sublate, 3 mm long.

Vainillo | Yellow Trumpetbush | Tecoma stans | Native to the Americas .Cultivated as an ornamental. Bright trumpet yellow flowers attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.  

Manga "Cava" | Mango "Cava" | Mangifera indica "Cava" | Locals call a mango we carry here Mango Cava. It is our nursery farm manager's favorite.  Any additional information on this plant would be greatly appreciated. 

Acacia mangle | Magnum | Acacia mangium Willd. | Acacia mangium grows up to 30 metres (98 ft), often with a straight trunk. A. mangium has about 142,000 seeds/kg.[3] To break down dormancy mature seed requires pre-germination treatments such as mechanical scarification (scratching the surface) or boiling water. This treatment leads to a fast germination and typically exceeds 75%.[4] Like many other legumes, it is able to fix nitrogen in the soil.[5]A. mangium is a popular species for forest...

Palma real | Royal palm | Roystonea regia | Roystonea regia, commonly known as the Cuban royal palm, Florida royal palm, or simply the royal palm is a species of palm which is native to southern Florida, Mexico and parts of Central America and the northern Caribbean.A large and attractive palm, it has been planted throughout the tropics and subtropics as an ornamental tree.The royal palm is a large palm which reaches a height of 20–30 metres (66–98 ft) tall,(with...

Poro variegado | Tiger's Claw, East Indian Coral Tree, | Erythrina variegata |  Native to just about all of tropical Asia and northern Africa (some claim also Australia), this large tree is a very commonly grown tree in cultivation, though not so much in southern California where it is an extremely marginal species. It is grown not only for its brilliant red-orange horn-of-plenty shaped flowers, but for its commonly variegated leaves as well (not all trees have variegated leaves). Flowering is generally in mid to late...

Plumeria pudica | Bridal bouquet | Plumeria pudica | This beautiful evergreen shrub has signature spoon leaves and large clusters of two inch white flowers with yellow centers produced. It thrives in full sun and works well on edges of gardens and walkways.

Bismarck Palm | Bismarckia Nobilis | Elegant palm which can not be missed. It has a stout trunk with large bluish gray fan shaped palms. It originated in Madagascar. The younger palm retains the base of the leaves on its trunk yet when it grows older the trunk becomes smoother. Growth rate is quick. 

Malinche | Royal Poinciana, Flamboyant | Delonix regia | True to the name, flamboyant tree has spectular red orange flowers that can not go unnoticed. Originally from Madagascar it is a tropical decorative favorite. The shape of the tree is also appealing including its fern like leaves

Cocos plumosa | Queen palm, cocos palm | Syracgrus romanzoffiana | The Queen Palm is found in most tropical and subtropical areas. It's very popular as an ornamental tree and much used in urban landscaping. Its leaves and inflorescences are used as cattle fodder, specially for milking cows. Its fruits are edible, being sought by birds, as well as by mammals.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syagrus_romanzoffiana

Mandarina Clementina | Mandarin Clementine | Citrus reticulata "clementine" | Small citrus tree originally coming from Japan. The mandarin orange is a variety of the orange family. The mandarin cultivar "Clementine" sometimes is known as the "Christmas orange." The exterior is a deep orange colour with a smooth, glossy appearance and the can be separated into edible 7- 14 segments.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clementine

Jacaranda | Jacaranda, Black Poui, Fern tree | Jacaranda mimosifolia | Jacaranda mimosifolia is a sub-tropical tree native to South America that has been widely planted elsewhere because of its beautiful and long-lasting blue flowers.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacaranda_mimosifolia

Saragundí | Saragundi | Senna retigulata | Saragundí is a small tree native which grows up to a maximum of 6 meters. It is planted as an ornamental. 

Golden spoon | Nance | Byrsonima crassifolia | Byrsonima crassifolia is a slow growing large shrub or tree that is native to tropical America. It is valued and therefore sometimes cultivated for its small, sweet, yellow fruit, which are strongly scented. We love the the shape of the tree, the trunk texture, and the flowers and fruit. We have several mature wild ones on our finca that bring us, the birds, and squirrels,(and who knows what other creatures)  great delight!

Palma Navideña | Christmas palm, Manila palm | Veitchia merrillii |  It is commonly known as the "Christmas Palm" because its fruits become bright scarlet and tend to be that color in winter. This palm is typically fairly small and slender, normally attaining 15–25 feet in height. This is an attractive palm and because of its shape and size can be an interesting addition to even a small garden.  

Coaba | Brazilian Mahagany, Big-leaf mahagany | Swietenia macrophylla | Brazilian Mahagany  can grow up to 70 meters tall with a 40 meters breadth including  buttresses up to 5 meters . It is  known for its beautiful wood. 

Mandarina reina | Mandarin orange "Queen" | Citrus reticulata, var. Reina | Mandarina Reina (Citrus reticulata, var. Reina) adaptación desde los 400 a 1,100 msnm, fruto alargado, color de pulpa anaranjada, sabor dulce, corteza gruesa, bastante semilla, tamaño grande?http://portal.anacafe.org/Portal/Documents/Documents/2004-12/33/13/Cultivo%20de%20Mandarina.pdf 

Carao | Pink Shower, Stinking Toe | Cassia grandis | Cassia grandis, one of several species called Pink Shower Tree, and known as Carao in Spanish. Native to the neotropics it  grows up to 30 m (98 ft). The species is distributed from southern México, to Venezuela andEcuador. It grows in forests and open fields at lower elevations, and is known to be planted as an ornamental. When in bloom this tree gives a phenomanal...

[OUT OF STOCK] Manga Tommy Atkins | [OUT OF STOCK] Mango "Tommy Atkins" | Mangifera indica 'Tommy Atkins' | Mango Atkins is valued for its color, desease resistance and strong shelf life with the ability to be stored and handled.It is one of the most popular commercial mangos the market today. 

Manga rosa | Pink mango | This tree has a beautiful uniform shape. Any additional information on this Mango tree would be greatly appreiciated. 

Guapinol | West Indian Locust, Stinking toe | Hymenaea courbaril | Although Jatobá is sometimes referred to as Brazilian cherry or South American cherry, it is not a cherry tree but a legume belonging to the Fabaceaefamily. Depending on the locale, Jatobá is also known as Brazilian copal, South American locust, or the West Indian locust. It is also known asstinking toe, old man's toe or stinktoe[1] because of the unpleasant odor of...

Tamarindo | Tamarind | Tamarindus indica | Small to medium size tree. Flowers at various times of the year.  Flower color is white to yellow-white. Fruit is made into a refreshing drink. Nice, compact form. Gardens and parks."The tamarind tree produces edible, pod-like fruitwhich are used extensively in cuisines around the world. Other uses include traditional medicines and metal polishes. The wood can be used in carpentry. Because of the tamarind's many uses, cultivation has spread around the world in...

Cocobolo | Rosewood | Dalbergia retusa | Description. Cocobolo, better known as Rosewood, is a hardwood of exceptional beauty and highly valued. It is a medium sized tree with a dark trunk is twisted with vertical fissures and it has alternate compound leaves. Although not an aesthetically attractive shape because of its popularity and demand it is now placed on the endangered species list in Costa Rica. The wood contrasts greatly from the sapwood of a creamy yellow to the deep red of the heartwood. It is been...

Higueron rojo | Rubber tree | Ficus elastica |  This tree tolerates drought and yet also likes humidity. great for the Guanacaste region.  It gives instant privacy protection with its spreading structure and wide massive leaves. We have used it successfully as wind blocking tall hedges to protect our growing fields. It is a large tree in the banyan group of figs, growing to 30–40 metres (98–130 ft) (rarely up to 60 metres or 200 feet) tall, with a stout trunk up to 2 metres...

Mano de tigre | Split Leaf Philodendron, Cut Leaf, Selloum | Philodendron bipinnatifidum | Nothing speaks of the tropics more than this large glossy leafed ground cover and vine. Its distinctive leaf shape makes one think of a Rousseau painting or vegetation that must have been in the Garden of Eden. Native to Central America from Mexican to Panama this has become a favorite. Best known as Split Leaf Philodendron, a semi woody shrub, this plant is low maintenance prefers part shade and requires a medium amount of water although it...

Malinchillo | Peacock flower, dwarf ponciana | Caesalpinia pulcherrima | This shrub can be pruned into small bushes or let go. Its flowers are enchanting and bring fluttering butterflies around. We have a couple of different shades of flowers. 

Guayaba rosada | Apple guava (pink) | Psidium guajava rosada | Evergreen, moderate tree-height can reach 3 to 5 feet high. Native to Central America. It grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. Tolerates drought and very high temperatures, The red varieties with their leaves and fruits make them an ornamental favorire for gardens. http://www.viverosbrokaw.com/guayaba.html?

Uva de Selva | Wood Grape | Ardesia | xxx

Palmera tallo rojo | Lipstick palm, Red sealing wax palm | Crytostachys renda | This is a popular decorative because of its unique scarlet to bright red crown shafts and leaf sheaf.  Great tropical look. Its slow growing and grows in clusters -multi stems. 

Plumeria rosada | Frangipani (pink) | Plumeria | The genus consists of shrubs and trees deciduous. P. rubra native to Mexico , Central America , and Venezuela , produces yellow flowers or pink depending on the type of culture. From Mexico, Plumeria has spread throughout all tropical regions of the world, particularly in Hawaii ( United States ), where it is grown so abundantly that is believed to be a native flower. It...

Gallinazo | Brazillian firetree | Schizolobium parahyba | This tree is known for its fast growth of sometimes up to 3 meters a year. The wood is odorless, straw-colored, soft and light. Its density increases with age.The mature tree typically has a straight trunk, up to 40 meters tall and 80 cm wide, that branches out only near the top. The bark is smooth and gray-green except by the scars left by fallen leaves. The leaves are bipinnate, a metre or more in length, with a green stem and...

Red Ginger | Alpinia purpurata | This is a glorious plant. The flowers are great for floral arrangements. 

Naranja Valencia | Valencia Orange | Citrus sinensis valencia | Primarily grown for processing and orange juice production, Valencia oranges have seeds, varying in number from zero to seven per fruit. However, its excellent taste and internal color make it desirable for the fresh markets, too. The fruit has an average diameter of 2.7 to 3 inches (70 – 76 mm).http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valencia_orange

Guayacan carboncillo | Malvecino | Acosmium panamense | Native to southern Mexico and all of Central America.The wood is hard, heavy, strong, and resistant. Used in rural areas for construction. The bark is used for malaria. bleeding, and other medical reasons.

Orlando Tangelo | Citrus tangelo Orlando | The Orlando is a sibling to the Minneola Tangelo . The leaves of Orlando tend to be cupped, and the fruit is almost round or slightly flattened. The rind is orange, thin, slightly textured, and not easily peeled. The flesh is orange, juicy, and sweet. Its skin is harder to peel than the Minneola. The size and shape are tangerine like with an average diameter of 2 3/4 to 3 inches, with the color and texture more closely the color of an orange. Flesh orange-colored; tender,...

Orgullo de la India | Queen's Crape-myrtle, Pride of India | Lagerstroemia speciosa | This  decorative tropical comes from southern Asia and is known as Giant Crape-myrtle. 

Limón Mesino | Persian Lime, Tahitian Lime | Citrus latifolia | This seedless lime has green- yellow pulp with juice that is sour and fragrant. It has a thin outside skin thin and is always green but color can vary in intensity. 

Mamón chino | Rambutan | Nephelium lappaceum | This is again a Dr Seus like crazy looking fruit  with small spines on the outside. it is a refreshing fabulus little fruit often sold on the roadside in Costa Rica and is closely related  to the lychee, longan, and mamoncillo.  A species regularly sold in Costa Rican markets may be known as "wild" rambutan. Yellow in color, it is smaller than the usual red variety. The flesh exposed when the outer skin is peeled off is sweet and sour,...

Copa de oro | Bush Allamandra | Allamanda neriifolia, Allamanda schottii | This shrub blooms repeatedly with bright yellow flowers and shiny glossy evergreen leaves. Allamandra  is originally from southeast Brazil but now found throughout Central and South America. 

Ponciana, Malinchillo | Red Bird of Paradise | Caesalpinia pulcherrima | This shrub is evergreen. The combination of its fernlike foliage with small bright delicate delicate flowers  make this an appealing plant to have in one's landscape. Fanciful feeling makes it a great edge or border plant to pass by.  We also have  them in  yellow, red/orange, and pink variety. Butterflies are also attracted to this plant. 

Llama del bosque | African Tulip Tree, Fountain tree | Spathodea campanulata | Spathodea is a monotypic genus in the flowering plant family Bignoniaceae. The single species it contains, Spathodea campanulata, is commonly known as the Fountain Tree, African Tulip Tree,Pichkari or Nandi Flame. The tree grows between 7–25 m (23–82 ft) tall and is native to tropical dry forests of Africa.This tree is planted extensively as an ornamental...

ÁRBOL DE JÚPITER | Crape myrtle | Lagerstroemia indica | Small ornamental tree or shrub that comes in various shades. Trunk structure and texture is also appealingFrom China, Korea, Japan and Indian SubcontinentLagerstroemia indica is an often multistemmed,deciduous tree with a wide spreading, flat topped, open habit when mature.The bark is a prominent feature being smooth, pinkinsh-gray and mottled, shedding each year. Leaves are small and dark green changing to yellow and orange in...

Jicaro | Calabash tree | Crescentia cujete | Unusual ornamental tree . Often seen in the fields in Guanacaste. The flowers and  gourds  grow directly off the trunks and branches. The tree is resilent. When the fields are burned these trees seem to survive fine. 

Croton | Croton | Codiaeum variegatum |  Shiny leather like leaves that range from bold solid colors to multicolored  leaves.These shrubs can give lots of consistent color to the garden without depending on flowers to do this.  Cocobolo Tree Farm has 10 different varieties. 

Ceiba | Kapok, Silk-cotton tree | Ceiba pentandra | A giant in the rainforests, the kapok tree can reach up to 200 feet in height, sometimes growing as much as 13 feet per year. Due to its extreme height, the kapok, or ceiba tree, towers over the other rainforest vegetation. The trunk can expand to nine or 10 feet in diameter. In the nooks and grooves of this huge plant live a diverse number of species including frogs, birds and bromeliads. The kapok tree is deciduous, shedding all of its leaves during the dry season....

Flor Blanca | Frangipani (white) | Plumeria rubra, | Plumeria (common name Frangipani[citation needed]) is a genus of flowering plants in the dogbane family,Apocynaceae.[1] It contains seven or eight species of mainly deciduous shrubs and small trees. They are native to Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America as far south as Brazil [2] but can be grown in tropical and sub-tropical...

Nacazcol | Surinam Powderpuff, Pink Powderpuff | Calliandra surinamensis | Calliandra surinamensis is a low branching evergreen tropical shrub that is named after Suriname, a country in Northern South America. The plant usually has complexly branched multiple trunks and grows to a height of about 5 metres, although many sources suggest that it only attains a height of 3 metres. Left unpruned it grows long thin branches that eventually droop down onto the ground.

Sahíno | Saino | Caesalpinia eriostachys | This tree is found from Mexico to Costa Rica in the Pacific and Central regions.It is most notable for its ornamental quality because of its  yellow flowers. 

Cortez negro | Ipe | Tabebuia impetiginosa, | Native to Costa Rica and distributed from Mexico to Northern Argentina. Its showy pink flowers during the dry season are spectacular. The wood has long been highly valued for years,  known in the trade as "brazilwood". Although difficult to work with it is strong, dense, and insect resistant. 

Roble de Sabana | Pink trumpet tree, Savannah oak, | Tabebuia rosea | Often planted in parks and gardens. It has beautiful crown of pink flowers during the dry season and offers wonderful shade during the rainy season. "The tree crown is wide, with irregular, stratified ramification and only few thick branches. The bark can be gray to brown, in varying darkness and may be vertically fissured. Leaves are compound,digitate and deciduous. Each leaf has five leaflets of...

Naranja Ortanique | Ortanique | Citrus sinensis ortanique | Ortanique is reported to have been found on Jamaica around 1920. Because of the presence of wild orange and so-called tangerine trees (local mandarins) in the vicinity of the original tree and the distinctive features of the fruit, it was considered to be a natural tangor, and was given the name Ortanique. The name was a synthesis coined from or(ange), tan(gerine), and (un)ique or jama(ique). Ortanique is an orange × mandarin hybrid that is cultivated in...

Chirca | Yellow Oleandar | Thevetia peruviana | Thevetia, known here as Chirca, is a  tropical small ornamental shrub or small  tree.It is  native to Mexico and Central America. The shape. leaf texture and trumpet like yellow flower make this an appealing plant. 

Palmera multiple | Areca, Golden feather palm, Butterfly, Yellow | Chrysalidocarpus lutescens | ARECA PALMMost people will agree, the areca palm is a great palm tree for indoors. But, they also have multiple uses for outdoor applications. One such example, is using the areca palm as a natural privacy wall or privacy fence. The areca palm shares similar traits as the bamboo palm; they have a high tendency to clump next to each other and grow upwards fairly fast. If your outside USDA zone includes the areca palm, I would definitely include...

White mata palo | Strangler fig | Ficus costaricana | Broad shiny leaves, sculptural in feel, scenic impression in fields, good wind breakers etc. Sculptural feel to the tree and when mature wonderfully wide mushroom canopy. 

Guayaba China | Guava (chinese) | Psidium guajava china | The fruit is not only enjoyed by humans, but by mammals and birds as well. It is eaten raw or used in drinks, preserves, and other ways. 

Jalapa morada | Ruber vine | Cryptostegia grandiflora | Native to Madagascar, now naturaliized in Latin America and other parts of the world. It is an attractive shrub, but can be supported as a vine up to 30 meters in length. 

Ronrón | Ron Ron | Astronium graveolens | Native to Central America this flowering tree is in the Cashew family. The leaves turn red and make a nice contrast to other vegetation. 

Manga Mora | Mango "Mora" | Mangifera indica 'Mora' | Purplish fruit. Full foliage tree.  Between 1-2100 meters.

Mast, False Ashoka, Sorrowless | Polyalthia longifolia | Mast tree is often grown for its foliage and fauna attraction. It has an unusual structure growing straight up with branches and leaves attached closely to its  trunk.  

Guanacaste | Guanacaste | Enterolobium cyclocarpum | Description: This majestic tree, known particularly in the dry forest of Guanacaste, Costa Rica is recognized for its elegant, tall, wide spreading canopy that exposes its branches and leaf structure. The grey trunk can be a smooth but usually has fissures and lenticels.  The small twice compound leaves fold at night and have a fern-like feel. The flower is visually inconsequential but is very fragrant.  Its unique seedpod is  called “monkey ear” by the...

Majagua | Beach hibsicus | Hibiscus tiliaceus | Grown throughout the tropics as an ornamental shrub or small tree. The combination of the flowers which bloom for one day changing from yellow to bright red, the  dense heart shaped spiral growing evergreen leaves, and smooth gray trunk make this a winner. 

Cenízaro | Rain Tree, cow tamarind | Samanea saman | Native to the tropics,.Beautifully shaped shade tree Large rounded crown. Excellent street or park tree. Flowers late in dry season.  Showy pink flowers with clusters of stamens. Dry tolerant. 

Bougainvillea | Bougainvillea | Bougainvillea, has tiny white tubular flowers, surrounded by tinted leaf bracts  that give its impressive color. It is a vine that can grow into a shrub or even small tree if trained correctly. 

Toronja flame | Pink Grapefruit | Citrus paradisi | Our version of Pink Grapefruit has a thick easily peel able skin. Although the  fruit texture is somewhat more fibrous and less uniform in shape than the commercial ones sold in the states the fruit is sweet and delicious. It is  a favorite part of our breakfast or snack to have a slice or two. 

Guayacán real | Lignumvitae | Guaiacum sanctum | This species is very scarce and highly valued for its wood, oil,  and various medicinal properties like resin used in the US and Europe. They grow extremely slowly. The story goes it was thought to also cure syphillis causing much of the original trees to be  cut down by Spanish explorers. We had the opportunity to see one glorious specimen reported to be over 1200 years old. The young bark  is interesting and soft and cork like in nature.  In...

Naranja malagueña | Malagueña | Citrus sinensis "malagueña" | NARANJA MALAGUENA Ci!rus sinensis (L.) Osbeck. Variedad Malagueña. Su determinación botánica es bastante difícil, por ser el producto de un indeterminado número de cruces. Sin embargo, sus caracteres ya se han fijado y se pueden reproducir exactamente. Son árboles muy parecidos a los naranjos criollos, pero las frutas, general­ mente de color amarillo pálido o verdoso, son de un sabor dulce, más bien...

Almendro de Rio, carne asada | River Almond, Roast Beef Tree | Andira inermi | This native tree is a slow grower found near river and streams. Its yellowish dark wood is durable and used for a variety of heavy duty construction purposes but also used in fine furniture. The dark gray trunk discards its plates which exposes a red color, which is why it is referred to sometimes as the roast beef tree. 

Vetiver | Vetiver | Chrysopogon zizanioides |  Native to India. Vetiver can grow up to 1.5 metres high and form clumps as wide. The stems are tall and the leaves are long, thin, and rather rigid; the flowers are brownish-purple. Unlike most grasses, which form horizontally spreading, mat-like root systems, vetiver's roots grow downward, 2–4 m in depth. This plant can be extremely helpful for erosion control. 

Palma triangular | Triangle palm | Dypsis decaryi | Palms     Dypsis decaryi Synonymy: Neodypsis decaryi Common Names: Triangle Palm Distribution & Habitat: Madagascan rainforest. Description: This is a very striking palm, with the leaves arising from three distinct points around the trunk, hence the name triangle palm. It can get to about 15 metres (50 feet), although since it is relatively new to cultivation, is rarely seen anywhere near that size. The leaves, about 2.5 metres (8 feet) long,...

Cedro amargo | Spanish Cedar | Cedrela odorata | Spanish cedar is a deciduous tree ranging from medium to large. Its young bark is smooth gray but becomes furrowed and sometimes turns to brown with small buttresses with age. It is native from Mexico down to South America and the West Indies.  The flowers and fresh cut wood have a distinctive garlic-like smell.  Benefits Desirability:  Cedro amargo line the streets of San José. This tree has a pink reddish wood.  It is valued by construction and...

Surá | Surah guayabón | Terminalia oblonga | Sura has a mostly straight trunk (80 cm or more) that has a mildly irregular cross-section. Though close to cylindrical, the bole is marked by lumps and shallow dents along its entire length. These irregularities are accentuated bye silky-smooth, thin bark that catches the eye with its unusual texture, sheen, and pale-orange color. Often Sura bark peals in randomly shaped but large, sheetlike sections. Large, thin, and planar buttress roots are always present, merging...

Fruta milagrosos | Miracle Fruit | Synsepalum dulcificum | Miracle fruit is an evergreen shrub that  produces tiny red berries. The fruit itself is bland with no scent however the pulp when eaten with sour fruits makes them turn sweet.  Originally looked into to help diabetics  control their sugar levels  when desiring to taste something sweet it has been used in medicines and for cancer treatment patients to get rid of metalic taste they often experience.  The fruit will surprise you when you discover its...

Guachipelin | American Diphysa | Diphysa americana | A slow growing native decidous tree that creates a carpet of beautiful yellow when it is in bloom 

Aceituno | Paradise Tree, Bitterwood | Simarouba glauca |  Simarouba is a highly valued  medium sized evergreen tree (height 7-15 meters) with smooth bark with a tap root system and cylindrical stem. All parts of the plant namely, seed, shell, fruit pulp, leaf, leaf litter, unwanted branches, stem, bark, and root generate products that are useful in the production of food, fuel, manure, timber, medicine etc.  They were once exported to the USA but have been replaced by white pine. The wood...

Cortez amarillo,Corteza, Guyacan, Piuva | Gold trumpet tree | Tabebuia ochracea | During the driest of days, T. ochracea outdoes itself with a spectacular flower display. Most trees growing close together bloom in near unison, making an unforgettable show. T. ochraceais an open crowned tree. Its flowers are golden yellow and appear on bare branches, in bountiful terminal clusters. Each flower lasts for only one day, but the inflorescence may persist for up to 12 days. After flowering, many fuzzy and slightly curved pods...

Roble primavera | Guayacan trumpet tree | Tabebuia guayacan | Guayacan- a rare and attractive tree from a mature rainforest has something unreal and magical. Discovering a blooming, shining yellow Guayacan is like finding a treasure. Guayacan let’s you foresee the starting date of the green season – the tree is said to bloom one month before the rains start. The origin of Guayacan is in Central America, as well as the other countries in tropical America. The tree grows slowly and reaches up to 50 m (164 ft) tall...

Ylang Ylang, Perfume Tree | Cananga odorata | The flower of this tree has a phenomenal scent. This is used in the Perfume Chanel No. 5. It should be planted near a window, possibly near a  bedroom to take full advantage of its scent at night. C. odorata is a fast-growing tree of the custard-apple family Annonaceae. Its growth exceeds 5 m (15 ft) per year[citation needed] and attains an average height of 12 m (40 ft). It grows in full or partial sun, and prefers the...

Espavel | Wild Cashew | Anacardium excelsum | Distribution: Costa Rica south through Panama to Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. Frequently found in coastal areas on well-drained soils.  Almost pure stands report in the Darien Province of Panama.The Tree:  Commonly attains diameters of 3 to 5 ft, total height frequently ranges from 75 to 150 ft.  Forest-grown trees often have clear boles 30 to 60 ft.  Some basal swelling but no well- developed buttress.The Wood:General...

Jicarillo | Winged Calabash, Mexican Calabash | Crescentia alata | This native tree has an interesting shape with unique flowers and  gourds that grow directly off the its  trunk  and branches. The seeds and pulp are edible. The Nicaraguans make a special drink from the gourd called horchata "Semilla de Jicaro " that is exported to the US. Hondurans and El Salvadorians produce a similar type of horcatta. This is a good tree for hosting  for epiphytes. 

ÁRBOL DE JÚPITER | Crepe Myrtle | Lagerstroemia indica | A popular beautiful flowering  shrub or  small multi trunk  tree. Trunk is an attractive gray and appealing. This tree is native to China, found in India, Japan, other Asian countries. and now various varieties are grown all over the world. 

Manga Kit | Mango "Keitt" | Mangifera indica 'Keitt' | "Keitt mango fruit is ovoid-oblong; skin color is pink with less than 30% red. Their average weight is 500 to 600 grams. It has virtually no fibers on flesh being very suitable to eat with spoon. The small seed size. The eating quality of this fruit is excellent and has a long shelf life. The growth habit Keitt mango tree is characterized by long, arching branches with poor growth in the...

Palma Bambu | Multiplex, Bamboo Palm, Butterfly Palm, Areca Palm | Dypsis lutescens | D. lutescens grows 6–12 m (20–39 ft) in height. Multiple stems emerge from the base. The leaves are arched, 2–3 m (6 ft 7 in–9 ft 10 in) long, and pinnate, with 40-60 pairs of leaflets. It bears panicles of yellow flowers in summer.One of several common names, "butterfly palm" refers to the leaves which curve upwards in multiple stems to create a...

Jalapa | Four o'clock, Marvel of Peru | Mirabilis jalapa | This plant comes originally from South America. The flowers produce a sweet fragrance, opening late in the afternoon. Often flower changes color as it matures. 

Spicy Jatropha, Peregina | Jatropha integerrima | This shrub or small tree has beautiful flowers and unusual leaves. Hummingbirds love this plant. The seeds of this plant are being studied by the bio-deisel fuel industry although another species of this is more popular for this. 

Cristobal, Granadillo | Trebol, Macacauba, Macawood | Platymiscium spp | The Cristobal, also known as Granadillo, grows throughout Continental tropical America from southern Mexico to the Brazilian Amazon region, and Trinidad.  It can grow up to 80 feet with a diameter ranging from 28 to 42 inches. 

Carambolo | Starfruit | Averrhoa carambola | Small tree. Great tropical fruit used in a variety of ways from being eaten plain, used in salads , juice, preserves, relishes , etc. Cocobolo Tree Farm carries two types Carambola "dulce" or "acido".  The fruit is rich in anti oxidents, potassium,  and vitamin  "C" . Low in sugar. The riper the fruit the more sugar content. 

Cas Ácido, Guyaba de Costa Rica | Cas | Psidium friedrichsthalianum | The fruit of a very tart species of guava. This is especially good as a fruit drink. Often the locals mix some sugar into it. 

Caimito | Star apple | Chrysophyllum cainito | This tree has lovely leaves and edible fruit. Cocobolo Tree Farm carries the purple variety. Chrysophyllum cainito is a tropical tree of the family Sapotaceae. It is native to the Greater Antillesand the West Indies. It has spread to the lowlands ofCentral America and is now is grown throughout the tropics, including Southeast Asia.[1] It grows rapidly and reaches 20 m in height.It has numerous common names...

Beach almond, Bengal almond | Almendro de playa | Terminalia catappa | Native to the tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia the Beach almond is widely grown in the tropical  regions of the world as  ornamental tree. It is valued for its deep shade it provides through its large leaves. The fruit is edible, tasting slightly acidic.As the tree gets older, its crown becomes more flattened to form a spreading, vase shape. Its branches are distinctively arranged in tiers giving it a unique look.  During the dry...

Madera negra, mata raton | Gliricidia | Gliricidia sepium | Gliricidia sepiumis a medium-sized tree and can grow  from 10 to 12 meters high. The bark is smooth and its color can range from a whitish gray to deep red-brown. is found on volcanic soils in its native range in Central America and Mexico. However, it can also grow on sandy, clay and lime stone soils.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gliricidia_sepium

Dwarf Chinese Bamboo, Minature or Baby Bamboo | Pogonatherum paniceum | This evergreen has slender stems and delicate leaves  which form dense clumps. Great hedge material if you trim it.  

Cola de Zorro | Foxtail Palm | Wodyetia bifurcata | Very attractive palm with long plumose leaves(2-3 m) and up to 10 m tall with its attractive smooth self cleaning  gray trunk. 

Neem, Paraiso | Neem | Azadirachta indicha | Neem is one of two species in the genus Azadirachta, and is native to India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh growing intropical and semi-tropical regions. It is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 15–20 metres (49–66 ft), rarely to 35–40 metres (115–130 ft). It is evergreen, but in severe drought it may shed most or nearly all of its leaves. The branches are wide and spreading. The fairly dense...

Palmera fenix | Phoenix palm, Fenix palm | Phoenix sylvestris | Phoenix sylvestris (sylvestris - Latin, of the forest) also known as Silver Date Palm or Sugar Date Palm, is a species of flowering plant in the palmfamily native to southern Pakistan, most of India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.Growing in plains and scrubland to 1300 m, the fruit from this palm species is used to make wine and jelly. The sap is tapped and drunk fresh or...

Lorito, Ardillo | Wild tamarind | Cojoba arborea | Native Costa Rican  ornamental  tree which grows from Mexico to South America and the Antilles. The tree has a beautiful structure, fern like leaves, with dramatic interesting bright red orange oblong twisted fruit. The fruit has a whimsical sense of something out of a Dr. Seuss children's book. 

Raspaguacal | Queen's Wreath, Sandpaper or Bluebird Vine | Petrea volubilis |  A vine that is  tropical with beautiful blue-violet flower clusters that is native to Mexico and Central America. Blooms throughout the year. This plant was named by Linnaeus to honor of the young Lord Robert James Petre (1713 -1742) of Ingatestone Hall in Essex, a patron of botany. The specific epithet is from the Lation word 'volubil' meaning "turning", "circling" or "spinning" in reference...

Tempisque tree | Yellow tapir | Sideroxylon capiri | Native from Mexico to Panama. Grows in a variety of soils Grows on a range of soils, in dry and in some wetter. Sometimes grows isolated in pastures of secondary forest. It regenerates very sparingly. 

Coco | Coconut | Cocos nucifera | Wonderful decorative contribution to the landscape. There is nothing more thirst quenching and satisfying than chilled coconut water on a hot day. The instant electrolyte boost is amazing.  You often see these offered with a straw by small roadside vendors. In my opinion these are far better then the current rage of  prepacked Coconut water found in the states.  Found throughout the tropic and subtropic area, the coconut is known for its great versatility...

Guayaquil, Gavilan | Guachapele | Pseudosamanea guachapele | A large tree with a spreading crown, well-formed bole without significant buttresses.Habitat :Often near rivers or waterway is in dry and wet forests, sometimes isolated in pastures, indicating ancient meanders.Phenology:Flowers seen in January, February, March,April and December. Fruits observed in March.Uses:It has been used for diarrhea and as piscicida in Panama. Heartwood light orange brown when freshly cut becoming yellow brown or brown with a golden luster on...

Cola de pez (palma) | Fish Tail Palm, Burmese Fish Tail Palm | Caryota mitis | "The Fishtail Palm Tree originated in Indonesia where it grow vigorously in tropical rain forests. The Fishtail Palm Tree leaves grow into a form with a shape of a fish tail, and the rough edges can enhance the look of your landscape, and brighten up your yard, and can be used next to pools, to accent and give a lush, tropical look. Each leaf on the Fishtail Palm Tree is different and unique. The leaves appear to be jagged as if the ends of every...

Limon verdelli | Summer lemon | Vedelli refers to a type of lemon originating from Sicily,Italy.  . It also refers to the seasonal time it fruits from June to October in other parts of the world. ?The verdelli is bigger and juicier than the lemon cidra. It is often light greenish yellow in shade but has a more typical shape that North Americans are used to. 

Pochote | Pochote | Pachira quinata | Pachira quinata, commonly known as Pochote, is a species flowering tree in the mallow family, Malvaceae.  It inhabits dry forests in Costa Rica,Nicaragua, Honduras Panama, Venezuela, and Colombia.[2] Pochotes bear large, stubby thorns on their trunk and branches and are often planted as living fence posts with barbed wire strung between them. Those thorns are also often used to make...

Almendro de montaña | Tonka bean tree | Dipterix panamensis | Almendro de montaña  is native and only grows in southern Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia. Dipteryx panamensis is a large-size tree that can reach 60 m (197 feet) in height and 1 to 1.6 m (3.25 to 5.25 feet) in diameter. Some reach 2 m (6.5 feet) in diameter. It has a cylindrical trunk with ample basal roots but without buttresses (over very humid soils, basal roots could grow higher, seeming like buttresses although they are not)....

Pingo de oro | Golden Dewdrop, Sky-Flower, Pigeonberry | Duranta repens | This multitrunk shrub has a round weeping shape, light blue flowers, and yellow berries making it a uniquely beautiful addition to a garden.Good hedge for privacy.

Minneola Tangelo | Citrus tangelo | The Minneola tangelo (sometimes misspelled "Mineola") is a cross between a Duncan grapefruit and a Dancy tangerine, and was released in 1931 by the USDA Horticultural Research Station in Orlando. The skin is usually thin on the Minneola and should peel fairly easily.  Most Minneolas have a stub protruding neck stem which gives them a bell shape. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tangelo

Guanabána | Soursop, Prickly custard apple | Annona muricata | The soursop is a very desirable tropical fruit, recognized as one of the new "Super Fruits" with antioxidant qualities.  Its fruit is large and quite soft when fully ripe with greenish yellow spike like growths on the outside. Unfortunately usually there is not much abundance of fruit on each tree.  The flesh is white and tends to have a mucous type aspect to it. Don't let that put you off because it is delicious eaten alone or used in a...

Manga Irwin | Mango "Irwin" | Mangifera indica "Irwin" | The 'Irwin' mango is a commercial mango cultivar which was developed in South Florida.The fruit gained commercial acceptance due to its good production, flavor, relative disease resistance, and attractiveness.'Irwin' fruit is of ovate shape, with a rounded base and a pointed apex, lacking a beak. The smooth skin develops an eye-catching dark red blush at maturity. The flesh is yellow and has a mild but sweet flavor and a pleasant...

Manzana de agua | Mountain apple: Malay, Water, or Rose apple | Syzygium malaccense | A unique beautiful tropical tree. admired for its flowers and fruit. 

Iguano, Largartillo | Iguano | Dilodendron costaricense | Grows in seasonally wet forests to dry. It is used infrequently as an ornamental species in urban areas and in a limited way as a timber species.http://darnis.inbio.ac.cr/ubis/FMPro?-DB=UBIPUB.fp3&-lay=WebAll&-error=norec.html&-Format=detail.html&-Op=eq&id=848&-Find

Marañon | Cashew | Anacardium occidentale | One of the more exotic plants. The fruit with the nut looks like something out of a Dr. Seuss children's book. Locals eat the fresh fruit The shell of the nut is toxic, so it must be removed and then the  nut must be roasted properly to not have poor digestive side effects. Parrots love these trees.

Green Island Ficus | Ficus microcarpa | This tropical plant is resilient and can be used as a mounding shrub or a cascading ground cover.  

Limón Cidra | Lemon, Citron, Cider | Citrus medica Linn. | This fruit is larger than the common lemon. Its leaves , fruit, and skin are used for medicinal purposes. It is also used in juice, confectionery, etc."The cider comes from a shrub or small tree of slow growth that reaches 8 to 15 feet (2.4-4.5 m) tall, with thorny branches and spines short or long in the axils of the leaves. The leaves are evergreen , lemon scented, oval- lanceolate or elliptical oval, 2 1/2 to 7 inches (6.25-18 cm)...

Palma Bambu Costa Rica | Costa Rican bamboo palm, Parlor palm | Chamaedorea costaricana | Trunk type: Clustering?, heavily ringed from leaf scars, to 5 centimeters,(2") in diameter. Height: To 3.6 meters, (12'), cluster to 1.5 meters, (5'). Leaf detail: Pinnately compound, diametrically opposed, closely knit ovoid pinnae, average frond holds up to 60 pinnae. Flower detail: Creamish yellow flower, separate male, and female plants. Flower stalk coming from below the leaves, erect or pendulous. Becoming orange when carrying fruit....

Mother's in Law Tongue, Snake Plant | Sansevieria trifasciata | The common name for Sansevieria, is Snake Plant or Mother's in Law Tongue. They are succulents related to aloe vera and found  originally in the desserts of Asia and Africa . They have strong, stiff, almost plastic-like, succulent leaves that come directly right out the ground from the roots or rhizomes.. Many may know them from seeing them in planters in malls, restaurants, and offices . Some of their valued qualities are being failrly...