PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Gliricidia sepium
Quickstick
(Jacq.) Kunth ex Walp., 1842
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Medium-sized tree with grayish bark and pale pink to lilac flowers that appear in clusters when the tree loses its leaves. Its leaves are pinnate and its fruits are flattened pods.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
MadriadoMatarratón
Nicaraguan cocoa shadeCocoiteTaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Magnoliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Fabales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Fabaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Gliricidia
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Jacq.) Kunth ex Walp., 1842
Record Completeness
93%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
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Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Dry Season
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits dry and humid forests, from sea level to 1,500 meters. Very common in living fences and as shade for cocoa and coffee crops.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Deciduous plant that fixes nitrogen in the soil. It blooms spectacularly in the dry season, attracting a large number of pollinating bees.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
1000.0 - 1500.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Rapid regrowth capacity from buried cuttings, allowing efficient use in living fences.
Presence of toxic compounds in the bark and seeds that act as a natural rodenticide.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Although very resistant, it can be affected by leaf spot fungus in very humid areas.
Overgrazing of young shoots by livestock in unmanaged silvopastoral systems.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The name 'Matarratón' comes from the traditional use of its fermented bark mixed with corn to eliminate rodents.
It is called 'Madero Negro' due to the dark color its wood acquires as it ages or gets wet.