Costa Rica Species
Dipteryx krameri
PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN CRInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Critically Endangered — faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the near future.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting

Dipteryx krameri

Almond Tree

Sandwith, 1931

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Massive emergent tree reaching up to 60 meters in height. Its trunk is smooth, yellowish to reddish-brown, and has ovoid fruits with a very hard and nutritious seed.

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.

AlmendroTonka beanCuabaTali

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.Dipteryx
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Sandwith, 1931
Record Completeness
84%
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.

Decreasing

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.

Wet 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 very humid lowland tropical forests. It is a keystone species of primary forests, preferring deep and well-drained soils.

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

Slow-growing and long-lived tree. Its flowering and fruiting are vital for wildlife, especially for parrot species that nest in its cavities.

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)

4500.0 - 6000.0 cm

Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.

Flower Photos (Max 2)

No image

Fruit Photos (Max 2)

No image

Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang

Very high-density wood that provides mechanical resistance against hurricane winds.
Fruit with fleshy and oily mesocarp to attract long-distance dispersers.

Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang

Illegal logging due to the high value of its wood in heavy construction.
Habitat loss directly affecting the survival of associated endangered species.

Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang

It is the preferred nesting tree for the Great Green Macaw (Ara ambiguus).
Its wood is so hard that it was traditionally used to make boat keels and wagon axles.

External ReferencesScientific publications, field guides, and databases that document this species or area.