Caobilla
Carapa guianensis
Native Region
Central and South America, West Africa
Max Height
30-40 meters (100-130 feet)
Family
Meliaceae
Conservation
LC
Uses
Distribution in Costa Rica
Legend
Elevation
0-700m
Regions
- Limón
- Heredia
- Puntarenas
- Alajuela
Season
Flowering
Mar-May
Fruiting
Aug-Nov
Caobilla
Caobilla (Carapa guianensis), also known as Andiroba or Crabwood, is a remarkable rainforest tree prized for both its mahogany-like timber and its oil-rich seeds. Indigenous peoples have extracted medicinal oil from its nuts for centuries, while its durable wood remains highly valued for construction and furniture.
Quick Reference
- Scientific Name
- Carapa guianensis
- Family
- Meliaceae (Mahogany)
- Max Height
- 30-40 m (100-130 ft)
- Flowering
- March-May
- Conservation
- Least Concern (IUCN)
- Habitat
- Swamps, floodplains, wet forests
iNaturalist Observations
Community-powered species data
520
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 Caobilla in Costa Rica
Primary Habitats:
- Tortuguero Region — Swamp forests
- Caribbean Lowlands — Floodplain forests
- Osa Peninsula — Wet lowland forests
- Sarapiquí — Riverside forests
Elevation: Sea level to ~700 m
Habitat & Ecology
Ecological Role
Caobilla is ecologically important:
- Wetland forest structure — Canopy species
- Seed production — Food for wildlife
- Flood tolerance — Thrives in swamps
- Forest succession — Mid to late successional
- Carbon storage — Long-lived timber tree
Wildlife Associations
Animals dependent on Caobilla:
- Agoutis — Primary seed disperser
- Tapirs — Eat fallen fruit
- Monkeys — Seed consumers
- Parrots — Seed predators
- Bats — Flower visitors
The large, heavy seeds (like golf balls) are primarily dispersed by agoutis and other large rodents. When these animals bury seeds for later consumption, some are forgotten and germinate—a classic example of scatter-hoarding dispersal.
Botanical Description
Caobilla develops moderate buttresses at the base, especially in swampy conditions. The trunk is well-formed and valued for timber.
Wood Properties
Appearance
Physical Properties
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 550-650 kg/m³ | Moderately heavy |
| Grain | Interlocked | Attractive figure |
| Texture | Medium to fine | Similar to true mahogany |
| Durability | High | Naturally rot-resistant |
Caobilla timber closely resembles true mahogany (Swietenia) in color and working properties, making it an excellent sustainable alternative as true mahogany becomes increasingly scarce.
Uses
Construction and furniture:
- Fine furniture — Cabinets, tables, chairs
- Boat building — Planking, decks, masts
- Flooring — Hardwood floors
- Exterior use — Doors, window frames
- Carving — Decorative woodwork
The wood's natural resistance to insects and decay makes it especially valuable for boat building and exterior applications.
Conservation Status
Conservation Status: Stable
Caobilla populations are healthy:
- IUCN: Least Concern
- Wide distribution — Large range
- Multiple uses — Non-timber value
- Plantation potential — Being cultivated
- Flood tolerance — Unique niche
| Factor | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IUCN Status | ✅ Least Concern | Stable populations |
| Costa Rica | 🔶 Uncommon | Limited to wet lowlands |
| Timber value | ⚠️ Moderate pressure | Sustainable harvest possible |
| Oil production | ✅ Sustainable | Non-destructive harvest |
Growing Caobilla
From Seed:
- Collect fallen fruit/seeds
- Plant fresh (recalcitrant seeds)
- Partial shade initially
- Germination in 2-4 weeks
- Tolerates flooding after establishment
Similar Species
Where to See Caobilla Trees
Best Locations in Costa Rica
Protected Areas:
- Tortuguero National Park — Swamp forests
- Corcovado National Park — Wet lowland forest
- La Selva Biological Station — Research trails
- Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge — Wetland forests
Tips:
- Look near rivers and swamps
- Visit during fruiting (Aug-Nov) for identification
- Large round fruits are distinctive
- Often associated with palm swamps
External Resources
Community observations, photos, and distribution data
Global observations
Detailed wood properties and identification
The Wood Database
References
📚 Scientific References & Further Reading
Forget, P.M. (1996). Removal of seeds of Carapa procera (Meliaceae) by rodents and their fate in rainforest in French Guiana. Journal of Tropical Ecology 12: 751-761
Mendonça, A.P. & Ferraz, I.D.K. (2007). Andiroba oil: traditional extraction process. Acta Amazonica 37(3): 353-364
The Caobilla (Carapa guianensis) exemplifies sustainable forest use—its timber provides durable wood comparable to mahogany, while its seeds yield medicinal oil that can be harvested without harming the tree. In an era seeking alternatives to destructive logging, this wetland species offers a model for balancing conservation with economic development.
🌳 ¡Pura Vida!
