Gallinazo
Schizolobium parahyba
Native Region
Central and South America
Max Height
30-45 meters
Family
Fabaceae
Conservation
LC
Uses
Season
Flowering
Jan-Mar
Fruiting
Mar-May
Gallinazo
Gallinazo (Schizolobium parahyba) is nature's skyscraper builder, shooting up to 30 meters in just 5-7 years. When this legume giant blooms, its crown transforms into a spectacular golden dome visible from kilometers away, earning it the nickname "tower of gold."
Quick Reference
- Scientific Name
- Schizolobium parahyba
- Family
- Fabaceae (Legume)
- Max Height
- 30-45 m
- Flowering
- January-March
- Conservation
- Least Concern
- Habitat
- Moist lowland forests
iNaturalist Observations
Community-powered species data
2500
Observations
186
Observers
📸 Photo Gallery
Photos sourced from iNaturalist's citizen science database. View all observations →↗
Taxonomy & Classification
Geographic Distribution
Geographic Distribution
Where to Find Gallinazo in Costa Rica
Primary Distribution:
- Atlantic Lowlands — Most abundant
- Northern Zone — Common
- Central Pacific — Some populations
- South Pacific — Occasional
Elevation: Sea level to ~1,000 m
Habitat & Ecology
Pioneer Strategy
Gallinazo's ecological role:
- Pioneer species — First in disturbed areas
- Gap colonizer — Thrives in light gaps
- Nitrogen fixer — Enriches soil (legume)
- Rapid canopy — Quick shade establishment
- Short-lived — 30-50 year lifespan
Wildlife Value
Ecological interactions:
- Flowers — Nectar for bees, butterflies
- Seeds — Eaten by parrots, rodents
- Leaves — Browsed by some mammals
- Canopy — Nesting sites
- Moderate wildlife value overall
Gallinazo is a pioneer par excellence. It rapidly colonizes disturbed areas, fixes nitrogen to improve soil, and creates shade that allows slower-growing species to establish underneath. It's nature's way of healing forest wounds.
Botanical Description
Gallinazo has a distinctive form — a tall, straight, unbranched trunk topped by a relatively small, open crown of feathery leaves. The high, clear bole is characteristic.
Wood Properties
Appearance
Physical Properties
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 300-400 kg/m³ | Very lightweight |
| Grain | Straight | Uniform |
| Texture | Coarse | Open pores |
| Durability | Very low | Interior use only |
| Workability | Excellent | Very easy to work |
Gallinazo's rapid growth produces lightweight, soft wood. While not durable, it's excellent for plywood cores, packaging, and interior applications where sustainability is valued.
Uses
Primary applications:
- Reforestation — Rapid canopy closure
- Soil improvement — Nitrogen fixation
- Erosion control — Quick establishment
- Shade provision — Agroforestry systems
- Carbon sequestration — Fast biomass
Conservation Status
Conservation Status: Secure
Population is abundant:
- IUCN: Least Concern
- Wide distribution
- Common pioneer species
- Rapidly recolonizes disturbed areas
- Widely planted in restoration
Growing Gallinazo
Methods:
- Seeds — Require scarification
- Soak in hot water or file seed coat
- Germination in 1-3 weeks after treatment
- Direct seeding possible
- Very fast early growth
Similar Species
Where to See Gallinazo Trees
Best Locations in Costa Rica
Best Viewing:
- Caribbean lowlands — Most common
- San Carlos region — Abundant
- Sarapiquí — Throughout
- Route 32 (to Caribbean) — Roadside giants
Identification Tips:
- Tall, straight trunk with small crown
- Enormous fern-like leaves
- Brilliant yellow flowers (Jan-Mar)
- Pale, smooth bark
- Often in disturbed areas
External Resources
Community observations, photos, and distribution data
Global observations
Official taxonomy and botanical information
Kew Gardens
References
📚 Scientific References & Further Reading
Butterfield, R.P. (1995). Promoting biodiversity: advances in evaluating native species for reforestation. Forest Ecology and Management 75: 111-121
Carvalho, P.E.R. (2003). Espécies Arbóreas Brasileiras. Embrapa Informação Tecnológica
Schizolobium parahyba represents hope for degraded landscapes. In a world where forests are disappearing, Gallinazo offers rapid restoration — growing meters per year, fixing nitrogen, creating shade for other species, and putting on one of nature's most spectacular flower shows in the process. This pioneer proves that given a chance, tropical forests can bounce back with remarkable speed.
🌳 ¡Pura Vida!
