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(Enterolobium cyclocarpum)
Monkey-Ear Tree (Enterolobium cyclocarpum)
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Forest and Kim Starr
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Forest and Kim Starr
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Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Forest and Kim Starr | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: Starr Environmental | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Enterolobium cyclocarpum, commonly known as Monkey-Ear Tree or Guanacaste, is an evergreen or semi-deciduous tree native to tropical dry forests, savannas, and pastures of Central and South America and the Caribbean. It can grow to a height of 25–35 m (82–115 ft) with a trunk up to 3.5 m (11 ft) in diameter. The Guanacaste is celebrated for its expansive, umbrella-like canopy and large, ear-shaped seedpods. It produces small, greenish-white flowers in spherical heads that are not particularly showy but are fragrant and attract pollinators. Flowering typically occurs during the dry season.
The Guanacaste tree is valued for its ability to provide dense shade, which makes it a popular choice for urban planting, parks, and as a natural canopy in hot climates. Its wood is also used for furniture and cabinetry. It is drought-tolerant and can adapt to various soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils. Full sun is ideal for its growth. Caution is advised as it can become invasive outside its native range, and its aggressive roots may damage nearby structures.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Guanacaste tree is valued for its ability to provide dense shade, which makes it a popular choice for urban planting, parks, and as a natural canopy in hot climates. Its wood is also used for furniture and cabinetry. It is drought-tolerant and can adapt to various soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils. Full sun is ideal for its growth. Caution is advised as it can become invasive outside its native range, and its aggressive roots may damage nearby structures.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 50-75 feet
- Width: 40-50 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: White, Green
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption.
Natural Habitat
Native to tropical dry forests, savannas, and pastures
Other Names
Common Names: Earpod Tree, Elephant Ear, Elephant’s Ear, Monkey Soap, Earpodtree, Devil’s-Ear, Monkeysoap, Elephant’s-Ear, Affenseife, Corotú
Scientific Names: , Enterolobium cyclocarpum, Albizia longipes, Mimosa cyclocarpa, Prosopis dubia, Feuilleea cyclocarpa, Inga cyclocarpa, Pithecellobium cyclocarpum,
GBIF Accepted Name: Enterolobium cyclocarpum (Jacq.) Griseb.