Alcornoque
Licania arborea
Native Region
Central and South America
Max Height
25-35 meters
Family
Chrysobalanaceae
Conservation
LC
Uses
Distribution in Costa Rica
Legend
Elevation
0-1200m
Regions
- Guanacaste
- Puntarenas
- Alajuela
- Limón
- Heredia
Season
Flowering
Jan-Mar, Dec
Fruiting
Apr-Jul
Alcornoque
The Alcornoque (Licania arborea) is one of Costa Rica's most important wildlife food trees. Its abundant fruits attract tapirs, peccaries, agoutis, and large birds, making it a keystone species in forest ecosystems. The extremely hard, durable wood has been used for centuries in heavy construction.
Quick Reference
- Scientific Name
- Licania arborea
- Family
- Chrysobalanaceae
- Max Height
- 25-35 m
- Flowering
- Dec-Mar
- Conservation
- Least Concern
- Habitat
- Moist and dry forests
iNaturalist Observations
Community-powered species data
800
Observations
186
Observers
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Taxonomy and Classification
Geographic Distribution
Geographic Distribution
Where to Find Alcornoque in Costa Rica
Primary Distribution:
- Guanacaste Province — Common in dry forests
- Pacific Lowlands — Throughout
- Caribbean Lowlands — Moist forest populations
- Central Valley foothills — Lower elevations
Elevation: Sea level to ~1,200 m
Habitat and Ecology
Forest Role
Ecological position of the Alcornoque:
- Canopy tree — Reaches forest canopy
- Keystone species — Critical wildlife food
- Long-lived — Old mature specimens
- Both dry and wet forests — Adaptable
- Primary forest indicator — Mature forests
Wildlife Value
Critical wildlife interactions:
- Tapirs — Major fruit consumer
- Peccaries — Depend on fruits
- Agoutis — Important disperser
- Great Curassow — Eats fruits
- Scarlet Macaws — Occasional use
- Monkeys — Consume fruits
Alcornoque is considered a keystone species because so many animals depend on its fruits. The loss of Alcornoque trees can cascade through the ecosystem, affecting wildlife populations that depend on this food source during the fruiting season.
Botanical Description
Alcornoque develops an impressive straight trunk with a dense, rounded crown. The overall form is that of a classic tropical canopy tree.
Wood Properties
Appearance
Physical Properties
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 800-950 kg/m³ | Very heavy |
| Grain | Interlocked | Difficult to split |
| Texture | Fine | Smooth finish possible |
| Durability | Excellent | Highly rot-resistant |
| Workability | Difficult | Very hard on tools |
Alcornoque wood is among the hardest in Costa Rica—it will quickly dull saws and tools. This same hardness makes it incredibly durable for applications where strength matters. Pre-drilling is essential for any fasteners.
Uses
Heavy-duty applications:
- Fence posts — Extremely long-lasting
- Construction beams — Heavy loads
- Railway ties — Historical use
- Bridge construction — Durable
- House posts — Rot-resistant in ground
Conservation Status
Conservation Status: Stable
Population healthy but declining in some areas:
- IUCN: Least Concern
- Still common throughout range
- Some pressure from selective logging
- Protected in reserves and parks
- Important to maintain for wildlife
Growing Alcornoque
Methods:
- Seeds — Clean and plant fresh
- Germination slow — Several weeks to months
- Pre-treatment may help germination
- Seedlings relatively hardy
- Can be grown in nurseries
Similar Species
Where to See Alcornoque
Best Locations in Costa Rica
Protected Areas:
- Santa Rosa National Park — Common in dry forest
- Palo Verde National Park — Throughout
- Corcovado National Park — Moist forest populations
- Carara National Park — Transition zone
Identification Tips:
- Look for large canopy tree
- Leathery, glossy leaves
- Rough, plated bark
- Abundant fruits in season
- Often with wildlife activity below
External Resources
References
📚 Scientific References & Further Reading
Prance, G.T. (1972). Chrysobalanaceae. Flora Neotropica. New York Botanical Garden
Holdridge, L.R. & Poveda, L.J. (1975). Árboles de Costa Rica. Centro Científico Tropical
Licania arborea reminds us that a tree's value extends far beyond its timber. As a keystone species, the Alcornoque feeds tapirs, peccaries, agoutis, and countless other creatures. When you see an Alcornoque, you're seeing a community pantry that has sustained forest wildlife for millennia. Its incredibly hard wood is a bonus—the true treasure is the ecological network it supports.
🌳 Pura Vida!
