Botarrama
Vochysia ferruginea
Native Region
Central and South America
Max Height
30-40 meters (100-130 feet)
Family
Vochysiaceae
Conservation
LC
Uses
Distribution in Costa Rica
Legend
Elevation
0-1500m
Regions
- Limón
- Heredia
- Alajuela
- Cartago
- Puntarenas
Season
Flowering
Apr-Jun
Fruiting
Jul-Sep
Botarrama
Botarrama (Vochysia ferruginea), also known as Mayo or Chancho Colorado, is one of the most successful native reforestation species in Costa Rica. This fast-growing pioneer rapidly colonizes degraded lands, creating the forest structure that allows slower-growing species to establish.
Quick Reference
- Scientific Name
- Vochysia ferruginea
- Family
- Vochysiaceae
- Max Height
- 30-40 m (100-130 ft)
- Flowering
- April-June
- Conservation
- Least Concern (IUCN)
- Habitat
- Wet lowland forests
iNaturalist Observations
Community-powered species data
450
Observations
186
Observers
📸 Photo Gallery
Photos sourced from iNaturalist's community science database. Browse all observations →↗
Taxonomy & Classification
Geographic Distribution
Geographic Distribution
Where to Find Botarrama in Costa Rica
Primary Habitats:
- Caribbean Lowlands — Dominant pioneer species
- Northern Zone — Common in regenerating forests
- Central Pacific — Wet forest zones
- Sarapiquí Region — Abundant in secondary growth
Elevation: Sea level to ~1,500 m
Habitat & Ecology
Ecological Role
Botarrama is a keystone pioneer species:
- Pioneer colonizer — First tree on degraded land
- Forest structure — Creates canopy for succession
- Soil improvement — Adds organic matter
- Wildlife corridor — Connects forest fragments
- Aluminum accumulator — Unique soil adaptation
Wildlife Associations
Animals dependent on Botarrama:
- Hummingbirds — Flower nectar
- Bees — Major pollinator
- Parrots — Seeds
- Monkeys — Travel corridors
- Sloths — Occasional feeding
Botarrama is arguably Costa Rica's most important native reforestation species. Its rapid growth on degraded soils makes it invaluable for ecosystem restoration and carbon sequestration projects.
Botanical Description
The distinctive whorled branching pattern makes Botarrama easily recognizable. Branches emerge in regular tiers around the trunk, giving the tree a characteristic layered appearance.
Wood Properties
Appearance
Physical Properties
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 350-450 kg/m³ | Light wood |
| Grain | Straight | Easy to work |
| Texture | Medium to coarse | Somewhat fibrous |
| Durability | Low | Not suitable outdoors |
Uses
Why Botarrama excels in restoration:
- Fast growth — 2-3 meters/year
- Poor soil tolerance — Grows on degraded land
- Easy propagation — Seeds germinate readily
- Rapid canopy — Creates shade quickly
- Native species — Supports local wildlife
Botarrama can transform abandoned pasture into young forest within 10-15 years, making it invaluable for Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) programs and carbon offset projects.
Conservation Status
Conservation Status: Secure
Botarrama is not threatened:
- IUCN: Least Concern
- Abundant throughout range
- Pioneer species — benefits from disturbance
- Widely planted in restoration
- Self-regenerating populations
| Factor | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IUCN Status | ✅ Least Concern | Stable populations |
| Costa Rica | ✅ Common | Abundant in Caribbean |
| Regeneration | ✅ Excellent | Pioneer species |
| Plantations | ✅ Widespread | Major reforestation species |
Growing Botarrama
From Seed:
- Collect winged seeds when capsules open
- No pretreatment needed
- Germination in 2-3 weeks
- High germination rate (>80%)
- Direct seeding possible
Similar Species
Where to See Botarrama Trees
Best Locations in Costa Rica
Easy to Find:
- Everywhere in Caribbean lowlands — Very common
- La Selva Biological Station — Study plots
- Sarapiquí area — Roadside secondary forest
- Braulio Carrillo — Forest edges
Tips:
- Look for whorled branching pattern
- Visit April-June for flowering
- Common along roadsides and forest edges
- Often in pure stands on abandoned pasture
External Resources
Community observations, photos, and distribution data
Global observations
Tropical agricultural research and reforestation
Costa Rica research center
References
📚 Scientific References & Further Reading
Butterfield, R.P. (1994). Forestry in Costa Rica: Status, research priorities, and the role of La Selva Biological Station. In: La Selva: Ecology and Natural History of a Neotropical Rain Forest
Finegan, B. & Delgado, D. (2000). Structural and floristic heterogeneity in a 30-year-old Costa Rican rain forest restored on pasture through natural secondary succession. Restoration Ecology 8(4): 380-393
The Botarrama (Vochysia ferruginea) may not produce precious timber, but its value to Costa Rica's forests is immeasurable. As a pioneer species, it transforms degraded pastures back into functioning forests, creating habitat for wildlife and storing carbon. In an era of forest restoration, few trees are more important.
🌳 ¡Pura Vida!
