Amarillón
Terminalia amazonia
Native Region
Central America and northern South America
Max Height
40-60 meters (130-200 feet)
Family
Combretaceae
Conservation
LC
Uses
Distribution in Costa Rica
Legend
Elevation
0-1200m
Regions
- Limón
- Heredia
- Alajuela
- Cartago
- Puntarenas
Season
Flowering
Jan-Mar
Fruiting
Mar-May
Amarillón
Amarillón (Terminalia amazonia) is one of the most impressive trees in Central American rainforests. As an emergent species, it towers above the canopy, with some individuals exceeding 60 meters in height. Its yellow-gold wood is highly valued for construction.
Quick Reference
- Scientific Name
- Terminalia amazonia
- Family
- Combretaceae
- Max Height
- 40-60 m (130-200 ft)
- Flowering
- January-March
- Conservation
- Least Concern (IUCN)
- Growth
- Fast for hardwood
iNaturalist Observations
Community-powered species data
850
Observations
186
Observers
📸 Photo Gallery
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Taxonomy & Classification
Geographic Distribution
Geographic Distribution
Where to Find Amarillón in Costa Rica
Primary Habitats:
- Caribbean Lowlands — Primary rainforests
- Northern Zone — Wet lowland forests
- Osa Peninsula — Old-growth forests
- Central Pacific — Moist forests
Elevation: Sea level to ~1,200 m
Habitat & Ecology
Ecological Role
Amarillón plays crucial roles in rainforest ecosystems:
- Emergent layer — Rises above main canopy
- Keystone structure — Important nesting sites
- Carbon storage — Massive biomass accumulation
- Seed dispersal — Wind-dispersed seeds
- Microhabitat — Supports epiphytes
Wildlife Associations
Animals associated with Amarillón:
- Harpy Eagle — Nesting platform
- King Vulture — Roosting sites
- Howler monkeys — Canopy highways
- Orchid bees — Pollinators
- Numerous epiphytes — Branch communities
Amarillón is one of the most successful reforestation species in Central America. Its fast growth (for a hardwood), adaptability, and valuable timber make it ideal for sustainable forestry plantations.
Botanical Description
Amarillón is truly impressive in scale. The trunk is straight and cylindrical with dramatic buttress roots that can extend several meters from the base. The crown emerges well above the surrounding forest canopy.
Wood Properties
Appearance
The name "Amarillón" means "big yellow" in Spanish, perfectly describing its beautiful golden-yellow heartwood. This distinctive color, combined with excellent durability, makes it highly valued in construction.
Physical Properties
Uses & Applications
Amarillón's combination of strength, durability, and workability makes it one of the most versatile timbers in Central America. From structural beams to fine flooring, it performs excellently in diverse applications.
Conservation & Sustainable Use
Conservation Status
Unlike many valuable timber species, Amarillón remains relatively secure:
- IUCN Status — Least Concern
- Wide distribution — Found across large range
- Fast growth — Responds well to management
- Plantation success — Widely planted
- Sustainable forestry — Good candidate
| Factor | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IUCN Status | ✅ Least Concern | Stable populations |
| Plantation forestry | ✅ Successful | Widely cultivated |
| Natural regeneration | ✅ Good | In forest gaps |
| Growth rate | ✅ Fast | 8-12 years to harvest |
Growing Amarillón
From Seed:
- Collect fresh winged seeds
- Remove wings before planting
- No pretreatment necessary
- Plant in well-drained nursery beds
- Germination in 2-4 weeks
- Transplant when 20-30 cm tall
Where to See Amarillón Trees
Best Locations in Costa Rica
Protected Areas:
- Braulio Carrillo National Park — Old-growth giants
- Tortuguero National Park — Lowland rainforest
- Corcovado National Park — Primary forest
- La Selva Biological Station — Research forests
Tips:
- Look for massive buttressed trunks
- Crown emerges above canopy
- Often along rivers and ridges
- Best seen from canopy towers
External Resources
Community observations, photos, and distribution data
Global observations
Detailed silvicultural information
CABI
References
📚 Scientific References & Further Reading
Flores, E.M. (1994). Terminalia amazonia. Trees and Seeds from the Neotropics, Vol. 4, No. 1
CATIE (2003). Árboles de Centroamérica: un manual para extensionistas. Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza
The Amarillón (Terminalia amazonia) represents hope for sustainable tropical forestry. As one of the few valuable timber species that grows fast enough for plantation cultivation while maintaining excellent wood quality, it offers a path toward meeting wood demand while preserving natural forests.
🌳 ¡Pura Vida!
