Browse our collection of Costa Rican trees
169 species from 54 botanical families
Least ConcernSimarouba amara
The Aceituno or Paradise Tree is a fast-growing rainforest pioneer prized for its medicinal bark, lightweight timber, and edible oil-rich seeds. This versatile species is increasingly important for reforestation, agroforestry, and sustainable land management in tropical America.
Least ConcernBrosimum costaricanum
Achotillo (Brosimum costaricanum) is a native humid-forest tree of Costa Rica valued for wildlife habitat, durable wood, and restoration in lowland rainforests.
Least ConcernSpathodea campanulata
The African tulip tree is a spectacular flowering tree native to tropical Africa, widely planted in Costa Rica for its brilliant orange-red blooms but considered an invasive species that threatens native ecosystems.
Least ConcernPersea americana
The Avocado tree is one of the world's most important fruit trees, native to Central America and Mexico, prized for its nutritious fruit and valued in Costa Rican agriculture and home gardens.
Least ConcernPersea caerulea
The Aguacatillo, a wild avocado relative, is one of the most important food sources for the endangered Resplendent Quetzal. Its small, oil-rich fruits are essential for cloud forest wildlife throughout Costa Rica's highlands.
EndangeredCaryocar costaricense
The Ajo is an endangered emergent rainforest giant, one of the largest trees in Costa Rica's lowland forests. Its massive buttressed trunk and nutritious seeds make it ecologically important, while ongoing deforestation threatens its future.
Least ConcernLicania arborea
Alcornoque is a large native tree found throughout Costa Rica's forests, prized for its extremely durable wood and ecological importance. Its abundant fruits provide food for wildlife including tapirs, peccaries, and large birds, making it a keystone species in forest ecosystems.
Least ConcernDipteryx panamensis
The Almendro is a majestic emergent rainforest tree and the primary nesting and food source for the endangered Great Green Macaw, making it one of Costa Rica's most conservation-critical species.
Least ConcernTerminalia amazonia
The Amarillón is a towering emergent tree of the Central American rainforest, prized for its excellent timber and distinctive yellow-gold wood. One of the giants of the forest, it can exceed 60 meters in height.
Least ConcernAnnona reticulata
The Anona (Custard Apple or Bullock's Heart) is a small tropical fruit tree producing heart-shaped fruits with custard-like flesh. Native to the Caribbean and Central America, this relative of the guanábana and chirimoya produces sweet, creamy fruits that are eaten fresh or used in desserts. While less famous than its relatives, the anona is treasured by those who know it for its delicate sweetness and smooth texture.
Least ConcernAnnona purpurea
The Anona Colorada (Red Custard Apple or Soncoya) is a medium-sized tropical fruit tree producing large fruits with distinctive red-purple flesh. Native to Central America and southern Mexico, this wild relative of the common anona and guanábana produces sweet, aromatic fruits that are prized in local markets. The reddish flesh gives the tree its Spanish name 'colorada' (reddish). This lesser-known Annona species thrives in wet lowland forests and produces fruits that can exceed 20 cm in diameter.
Least ConcernEugenia stipitata
The Arazá is an Amazonian fruit tree cultivated in Costa Rica's tropical lowlands. Its highly aromatic, yellow-green fruits are prized for making refreshing juices, ice creams, and desserts despite their intense acidity.
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