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
Trichilia havanensis
Uruca
Jacq., 1760
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
The uruca tree (Trichilia havanensis) is a medium-sized evergreen tree species strongly linked to the ecological and urban identity of Costa Rica. It belongs to the family Meliaceae (the same botanical family as mahogany and cedar), although its wood does not hold the same commercial timber value. It is characterized by a dense, rounded crown with shiny, dark green imparipinnate leaves that give it a lush appearance year-round. It produces axillary panicles of small, greenish-white or yellowish flowers that exude a sweet fragrance. Its fruit is a subglobose capsule that, upon ripening, typically splits into three valves to reveal seeds covered by a striking, bright red-orange fleshy aril. Its natural distribution ranges from Mexico and the Greater Antilles (such as Cuba, from where its epithet 'havanensis' derives) to northern South America. In Costa Rica, it is a highly familiar tree in the Central Valley, appreciated for its dense shade and its invaluable role in attracting avifauna.
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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).Sapindales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Meliaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Trichilia
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Jacq., 1760
Record Completeness
91%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.
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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 exhibits enormous ecological plasticity. It develops optimally in humid tropical forests, premontane forests, and transitional dry forests, typically from sea level to over 1,500 meters in elevation. It is a characteristic species of riparian zones (gallery forests along rivers and streams), forest edges, and early secondary regeneration areas. Due to its high tolerance to human disturbance and degraded or compacted soils, it thrives in agricultural settings such as living fences and coffee plantation boundaries, as well as in suburban gardens, sidewalks, and urban parks in the Greater Metropolitan Area.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 tree that defines the seasonal phenology of the landscape. Flowering occurs massively and explosively mainly between the dry and transitional months from February to May. During this period, the discreet canopy flowers exude a pervasive, sweet odor that attracts buzzing swarms of hundreds of species of native bees, wasps, and butterflies actively seeking its nectar and pollen. Following flowering, the dense foliage offers shelter and nesting sites for small birds and insects. As the fruits mature towards the middle of the rainy season, the tree becomes a daytime foraging hub for forest avifauna.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)
300.0 - 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
Nutritional reward via Arils: The seeds are partially enveloped in a fleshy red/orange aril. This lipid- and protein-rich structure is a spectacular visual and nutritional adaptation to attract frugivorous birds. Birds swallow the seed whole, digest the nutritious aril, and regurgitate or excrete the intact seed far from the mother tree, ensuring effective dispersion.
Functional dioecy and Allogamy: Although uruca flowers appear hermaphroditic (having both stamens and an ovary), the tree is functionally dioecious. This means an individual tree acts only as a male (with aborted ovaries) or only as a female (with anthers that do not produce viable pollen). This adaptation forces cross-pollination (allogamy) by insects, ensuring high genetic diversity in its populations.
Foliar resilience and phytochemical defense: Belonging to the Meliaceae family, its tissues contain secondary compounds like limonoids and terpenes that deter many herbivorous insects from defoliating the tree. In addition, its leathery, glossy leaves minimize evapotranspiration, allowing it to withstand the harsh conditions of the dry season and the high insolation of deforested environments.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Architectural replacement and urban expansion: Despite being a species of Least Concern (LC) globally, locally (especially in the Greater Metropolitan Area of Costa Rica) it has lost ground. It was formerly used profusely as a living fence, but the growth of concrete infrastructure, walls, and the preference for exotic ornamental species have displaced the uruca from many yards and sidewalks.
Loss of riparian habitat: Encroachment on river protection zones (gallery forests) for agricultural development or irregular human settlements affects the natural populations of T. havanensis, which depend on these humid corridors to sustain themselves in the wild.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
It gave its name to one of the most important districts of San José. The bustling district of La Uruca in the capital of Costa Rica was named by local colonizers due to the immense abundance of these trees that populated the banks of the Torres and Virilla rivers in the area prior to urbanization.
It is an absolute magnet for wildlife in urban areas. When the uruca is in fruit, its branches become a frenzied banquet. It is considered one of the most recommended trees to attract the Yigüirro (Turdus grayi, the national bird of Costa Rica), toucans, motmots, tanagers, and dozens of other bird species, making it an irreplaceable species for environmental education and urban ornithology.
It is used in Central American traditional medicine. Various parts of the plant, particularly the decoction of its leaves and bark, have been used empirically to treat skin conditions, rheumatism, and fevers. Modern phytochemical studies confirm that species of the genus Trichilia are extremely rich in active compounds with potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.