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
Pentaclethra macroloba
Gavilan Tree / Pracaxi
(Willd.) Kuntze, 1891
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
The gavilan tree (Pentaclethra macroloba) is one of the most dominant and abundant trees in the Neotropical lowland wet forests. A member of the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) family, it is distinguished by its broad, dense canopy with finely feathery foliage composed of delicate-looking bipinnate leaves. It can reach up to 35 or 40 meters (115-130 feet) in height, with a cylindrical trunk that often features slender buttresses and smooth grayish bark. Its flowers are small, clustered in dense cream-colored spikes with prominent stamens that give them a brush-like appearance. The most striking feature is its fruit: large (up to 40 cm), sword-shaped woody legumes that turn dark brown when ripe and open with an audible explosive force. Its seeds are large, thin, and rich in oils high in cosmetic demand. It is an essential species that dictates forest structure in much of Costa Rica's Atlantic Slope.
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TaxonomyBiological 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.Pentaclethra
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Willd.) Kuntze, 1891
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.
Year Round
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
It is an extremely versatile species that thrives in tropical wet forests. It has an exceptional affinity for poorly drained soils and seasonally flooded areas, but it also successfully colonizes hillsides with acidic clay soils. It is a fundamental component of Caribbean wetlands and is frequently found near watercourses. In Costa Rica, it is the dominant species in the lowlands of the Northern Zone and the Caribbean, often representing a high percentage of the forest biomass.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
It is a fast-growing and long-lived tree. Its ability to tolerate both partial shade in its youth and full sun in maturity makes it a successful colonizer. Its flowers are a magnet for pollinators, while its explosive legumes ensure dispersal. Notably, its seeds, being lipid-rich, often float, adding hydrochory (water dispersal) as a secondary method during the Caribbean lowland floods.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 - 4000.0 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
Explosive ballistic dispersal (Autochory): To avoid competition under the shade of the mother tree, the gavilan's legume valves develop internal tensions as they dry. When the critical point is reached, the pod bursts violently, launching the seeds at distances of up to 10 meters, allowing the colonization of new spaces without animal intervention.
Biological nitrogen fixation: As a member of the legumes, it has a symbiotic relationship with bacteria (Rhizobium) in its roots that capture atmospheric nitrogen. This adaptation is crucial in the washed and poor soils of the tropical rainforest, allowing the gavilan to grow vigorously where other species suffer from nutritional deficiencies.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Overexploitation for cosmetic oil: Pracaxi oil is highly valued internationally for its behenic acid concentration. In some Amazonian regions, intensive seed collection can affect natural regeneration if not managed sustainably.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The tree that walks on water: Due to its ability to grow in water-saturated soils, the gavilan tree often develops stilt roots and buttresses that give it immense stability in shifting terrain. It is said to be the 'engineer' of Caribbean wetlands.