PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NTInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Near Threatened — close to qualifying as Vulnerable. Requires ongoing monitoring.ApprovedCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Quercus bumelioides
Bumelia-like Oak
Liebm., 1854
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A massive, long-lived canopy tree with a stout trunk and a dense, spreading crown. It features heavy, light-grey bark with rectangular fissures and oblong-elliptical leaves that are stiff, smooth on top, and somewhat pale or glabrous underneath. It produces sturdy, rounded acorns held by a shallow, woody cupule.
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Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Roble encinoWhite OakRoble blancoEncinoCopey oak
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).Fagales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Fagaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Quercus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Liebm., 1854
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.
Decreasing
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
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
Native to the humid montane cloud forests and high-altitude ridges of southern Mexico and Central America, notably dominant in the Cordillera de Talamanca. It thrives in cool, cloud-swept ecosystems between 1,500 and 3,200 meters above sea level, preferring deep, organic, acidic 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
Serves as a fundamental ecosystem engineer within pristine high-altitude cloud forests. Its massive limbs hold heavily complex communities of epiphytic vascular plants, while its extensive root networks significantly reduce soil erosion along critical mountain watersheds.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)
1200.0 - 4500.0 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
Developed an exceptionally thick, insulating bark layer that protects the inner vascular system from high-altitude sub-zero night frosts and limits mechanical damage from heavy epiphytic growth.
Leaves possess a tough coriaceous structure combined with a waxy cuticle layer, which effectively curtails water loss during windy dry cycles and repels constant, heavy external mist accumulation.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Historically targeted by extensive selective logging operations for premium structural timber and charcoal making. Habitat conversion for pasture lands continues to threaten fringe populations.
Climate change is altering cloud deck frequencies and heights, increasing localized dry spells that impair the vulnerable moisture-dependent sapling survival phase.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
These slow-growing old specimens can construct massive buttressed roots over centuries, often fusing into dense communities that act as primary natural anchors on treacherous, steep montane slopes.
The common name 'Roble encino' describes its intermediate visual appearance, combining the imposing structural growth form of a classical white oak with the stiff, unlobed leaf margins characteristic of live encino oaks.