Hymenaea courbaril, commonly known as West Indian locust, is a slow-growing, evergreen tree native to tropical rainforests and seasonally dry forests in Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. It can reach up to 100 feet (30 meters) in height and 50 feet (15 meters) in width, with a dense, rounded canopy. The tree is notable for its large, compound leaves and fragrant white flowers that bloom in clusters. The flowers are followed by large, woody seed pods containing edible pulp. The bark is smooth and gray, providing an attractive texture in the landscape.

West Indian locust is valued for its hard, durable wood, which is used in high-end furniture and flooring. The sweet, edible pulp of its fruit pods is used in various culinary applications despite its peculiar odor. The tree’s resin, known as animé, is utilized in incense and varnish. In cultivation, it is often used as a shade tree or ornamental specimen due to its impressive size and canopy. It requires well-drained soils, moderate water, and thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. While the wood is exceptionally hard, measuring 2,350 lbf on the Janka scale, it is also known for its resistance to termites and decay, making it ideal for heavy construction and decorative purposes. However, the tree’s large size and slow growth rate should be considered when planting in urban or residential settings.CC BY-SA 4.0