Cerillo
Symphonia globulifera
Native Region
Central America, South America, and Africa
Max Height
20-35 meters
Family
Clusiaceae
Conservation
LC
Uses
Distribution in Costa Rica
Legend
Elevation
0-1000m
Regions
- Limón
- Heredia
- Alajuela
- Puntarenas
- San José
Season
Flowering
Fruiting
Cerillo
The Cerillo (Symphonia globulifera) is one of Costa Rica's most distinctive wetland trees, immediately recognizable by its stilt roots and brilliant red latex that bleeds when cut. Found in swamps, flooded forests, and along waterways, this tree has been used for centuries to make dugout canoes and in traditional medicine.
Quick Reference
- Scientific Name
- Symphonia globulifera
- Family
- Clusiaceae
- Max Height
- 20-35 m
- Flowering
- Year-round
- Conservation
- Least Concern
- Habitat
- Swamps and wetlands
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Taxonomy and Classification
Geographic Distribution
Geographic Distribution
Where to Find Cerillo in Costa Rica
Primary Distribution:
- Caribbean Lowlands — Common in swamps
- Northern Zone — Flooded forests
- Osa Peninsula — Wetland areas
- Pacific coastal wetlands — Local populations
Elevation: Sea level to ~1,000 m
Cerillo is one of the very few tree species found naturally on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Scientists debate whether it dispersed across the ocean or existed before the continents separated over 100 million years ago.
Habitat and Ecology
Forest Role
Ecological position of the Cerillo:
- Wetland indicator — Signals wet habitat
- Stilt roots — Adaptation to flooding
- Canopy tree — Reaches forest canopy
- Flood tolerance — Thrives in swamps
- Ecosystem engineer — Creates microhabitat
Wildlife Value
Ecological interactions:
- Hummingbirds — Primary pollinators
- Bats — Also pollinate flowers
- Monkeys — Eat fruits
- Birds — Disperse seeds
- Stilt roots — Fish habitat
- Flowering year-round — Constant resource
Botanical Description
The Cerillo's most distinctive feature is its stilt roots—aerial roots that prop up the tree like legs, an adaptation to flooded habitats. The trunk may be elevated a meter or more above the ground on these stilts.
Wood Properties
Appearance
Physical Properties
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 500-650 kg/m³ | Medium weight |
| Grain | Straight to interlocked | Variable |
| Texture | Medium to coarse | Acceptable finish |
| Durability | Moderate | Good underwater |
| Workability | Good | Easy to carve |
The wood's combination of workability and water resistance made Cerillo the traditional choice for dugout canoes in Caribbean Costa Rica. The straight trunks could be hollowed out, and the wood resisted rot in constant contact with water.
Uses
Historic and continuing uses:
- Dugout canoes — Traditional craft
- Boat caulking — Red latex waterproofing
- Medicine — Latex for wounds, infections
- Torches — Latex burns
- Dyes — Red latex as colorant
Conservation Status
Conservation Status: Stable but Habitat-Limited
Population dependent on wetland preservation:
- IUCN: Least Concern (globally)
- Dependent on wetland habitats
- Wetlands under pressure from drainage
- Protected in some reserves
- Important for wetland conservation
While Cerillo itself is not endangered, its wetland habitat is increasingly threatened by drainage for agriculture and development. Protecting Cerillo means protecting entire wetland ecosystems.
Growing Cerillo
Methods:
- Seeds — Clean and plant fresh
- Germination variable — May be slow
- Requires wet conditions
- Seedlings need high moisture
- Not suitable for dry sites
Similar Species
Where to See Cerillo
Best Locations in Costa Rica
Protected Areas:
- Tortuguero National Park — Common in swamps
- Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge — Wetland forests
- Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge — Coastal wetlands
- Caribbean lowland swamps — Throughout region
Identification Tips:
- Look in swamps and flooded areas
- Stilt roots are diagnostic
- Cut bark bleeds bright red
- Red flowers in clusters
- Dark, glossy leaves
External Resources
References
📚 Scientific References & Further Reading
Dick, C.W. et al. (2003). Molecular systematics and biogeography of Symphonia. Molecular Ecology
Holdridge, L.R. & Poveda, L.J. (1975). Árboles de Costa Rica. Centro Científico Tropical
Symphonia globulifera stands in Costa Rica's wetlands on its remarkable stilt roots, bleeding brilliant red when wounded, flowering year-round for hummingbirds. This ancient tree—one of the few species found on both sides of the Atlantic—connects us to deep time while reminding us that some of our most valuable ecosystems are the wet, "unproductive" swamps that we've too often drained away. Where Cerillo grows, the water flows.
🌳 Pura Vida!
