Enterolobium Cyclocarpum

Description

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Enterolobium Cyclocarpum tree description

The Enterolobium cyclocarpum (earpod tree) takes its common name from the resemblance of its semicircular seedpod to the human ear. It is a large tree, in habitat up to 100 feet tall, but in cultivation typically much smaller. The bark is light gray with reddish-brown vertical furrows. And it has a moderately dense crown, widely spreading when growing in the open.

Additionally, leaves are light green, alternate, bipinnately compound, oblong in shape and 6 -16 x 6 1/2 inches, with 4 -15 pairs of primary leaflets, each with 40 – 70 secondary leaflets; these very small leaflets are slender and oblong, measuring 3/8 – 3/4 inch. In habitat, the ear pod is deciduous during the dry season.

Earpod tree Enterolobium blooming

Furthermore, flowering takes place when the new leaves emerge and consist of globular flower heads in the axils of new leaves. Each flower head has about 50 white to greenish, very fragrant blooms, which attract insects. Seedpods are 3 – 4 1/2 inches long, dark brown when mature, and containing 8 – 16 oval seeds. The seeds are edible and used for propagation. In Central America, the tree shades animals and coffee. The reddish-brown wood is made into doors, cabinets, and boats. Enterolobium cyclocarpum (earpod tree) tolerates various soil types if well-drained. It has no serious pest or disease problems.

Because of Enterolobium cyclocarpum (earpod tree) large mature size, this majestic flowering tree is perfect for expansive areas in gardens and parks. It is the national tree of Costa Rica, where it is known as Guanacaste.

Other names: Elephant ear tree, Guanacaste

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