Ciprecillo
Podocarpus costaricensis
Native Region
Endemic to Costa Rica
Max Height
20-30 meters (65-100 feet)
Family
Podocarpaceae
Conservation
CR
Uses
Distribution in Costa Rica
Legend
Elevation
70-1700m
Regions
- San José
Season
Flowering
Mar-May
Fruiting
Aug-Oct
Ciprecillo (Costa Rican Podocarp)
The Ciprecillo (Podocarpus costaricensis) is not just endangered—it is Critically Endangered and endemic to Costa Rica, meaning it exists nowhere else on Earth. Known from only four locations in San José Province, this ancient conifer represents one of the most urgent conservation priorities in Central America. With fewer than an estimated 2,500 mature individuals remaining, every single tree matters for the survival of this species.
Quick Reference
- Scientific Name
- Podocarpus costaricensis
- Family
- Podocarpaceae (Podocarp Family)
- Max Height
- 20-30 m (65-100 ft)
- Conservation
- Critically Endangered (IUCN)
- Endemic
- YES - Costa Rica only
- Known Sites
- Only 4 locations worldwide
iNaturalist Observations
Community-powered species data
25
Observations
186
Observers
Why This Tree Matters
A Living Fossil on the Brink
The Ciprecillo belongs to the Podocarpaceae family, an ancient lineage of conifers that dominated the southern supercontinent of Gondwana over 200 million years ago. While most of its relatives are found in the Southern Hemisphere (Australia, New Zealand, South America), this Costa Rican species represents a rare northern outpost of this ancient family.
What does Critically Endangered mean? The IUCN classifies a species as Critically Endangered when it faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. For Podocarpus costaricensis, this assessment is based on:
- Extremely limited range (fewer than 10 km² total habitat)
- Known from only 4 locations
- Continuing habitat decline
- Estimated fewer than 2,500 mature individuals
Discovered Late, Threatened Early
Remarkably, this species was only formally described in 1990 by David de Laubenfels, meaning it was recognized by science just as its habitat was disappearing. This pattern—species being discovered as they approach extinction—is tragically common in tropical forests.
📸 Photo Gallery
Photos sourced from iNaturalist's community science database. Browse all observations →↗
Taxonomy & Classification
Podocarpaceae contains about 170 species of conifers, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere. Unlike typical conifers, podocarps produce fleshy, berry-like structures rather than woody cones—an adaptation thought to aid bird dispersal. Finding this family in Costa Rica is biogeographically significant, as it suggests ancient forest connections now severed.
Common Names
| Language | Common Name(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Ciprecillo, Ajo Negro | Most commonly used |
| English | Costa Rican Podocarp | Scientific/conservation name |
| Spanish | Cipresillo | Alternative spelling |
| Local | Pino de montaña | Sometimes used locally |
Physical Description
Overall Form
The Ciprecillo is a medium to tall evergreen conifer with a straight trunk and pyramidal crown. Its needle-like leaves and fleshy fruit structures distinguish it from Costa Rica's flowering trees.
Distinctive Features
Leaves & Branches
- Leaves: Linear, needle-like, 5-12 cm long
- Arrangement: Spirally arranged on branches
- Color: Dark green above, paler below
- Texture: Leathery, persistent
- Branches: Horizontal to slightly drooping
Reproductive Structures
- Male cones: Small, catkin-like
- Female structures: Fleshy, berry-like
- Seeds: Single, with fleshy covering (aril)
- Seed color: Red to purple when ripe
- Dispersal: By birds attracted to fleshy covering
Habitat & Distribution
The Most Restricted Range
Podocarpus costaricensis has one of the most restricted ranges of any tree in Central America:
- Total known locations: 4
- Province: San José only
- Elevation range: 70-1,700 meters
- Total habitat area: Less than 10 km²
This extreme restriction means a single catastrophic event—fire, disease, or development—could eliminate a significant portion of the species.
Preferred Habitat
- Forest type: Wet premontane and montane forest
- Canopy position: Emergent to upper canopy
- Soil: Well-drained, often on slopes
- Moisture: High rainfall areas
- Association: Mixed with broadleaf species
Conservation Status
IUCN Assessment
Critically Endangered
IUCN Red List Status
Threats
| Threat | Severity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Habitat loss | Critical | Deforestation continues near populations |
| Limited range | Critical | Only 4 sites leaves no buffer |
| Climate change | High | Montane species vulnerable to warming |
| Small population | High | Low genetic diversity, inbreeding risk |
| Historical logging | Moderate | Past exploitation reduced population |
Conservation Actions Needed
Immediate Actions Required:
- Habitat protection: Secure all four known locations
- Population monitoring: Census and track all mature trees
- Seed banking: Collect and preserve genetic material
- Ex-situ cultivation: Establish populations in botanical gardens
- Surveys: Search for additional unknown populations
Why Endemic Species Matter
When we lose an endemic species, we lose something that exists nowhere else—a unique outcome of millions of years of evolution. The Ciprecillo represents:
- Evolutionary history: Ancient Gondwanan lineage
- Costa Rican heritage: A species found only in this country
- Scientific value: Unique genetics and ecology
- Ecosystem function: Role in its forest community
- Future potential: Unknown medicinal or other values
Protecting the Ciprecillo is protecting something irreplaceable.
How You Can Help
Actions for Conservation
Individual Actions
- Support organizations protecting Costa Rican forests
- Report any Ciprecillo sightings to researchers
- Avoid purchasing illegally logged timber
- Educate others about endemic species
- Visit protected areas (tourism supports conservation)
Systemic Support
- Advocate for protected area expansion
- Support botanical garden programs
- Fund scientific research
- Promote environmental education
- Engage with conservation policies
The Story of Discovery
A Species Found on the Brink
The scientific discovery of Podocarpus costaricensis in 1990 by botanist David de Laubenfels highlights a sobering reality: many species are identified only as they approach extinction. By the time this tree was formally recognized, its habitat had already been severely fragmented.
The Ciprecillo reminds us that countless species may disappear before we even know they exist. Protecting forest habitat—even areas we haven't fully surveyed—is essential for preserving biodiversity we haven't yet discovered.
External Resources
Official conservation assessment
Community observations
Family information
References
📚 Scientific References & Further Reading
de Laubenfels, D.J. (1990). New taxa of Podocarpus from Costa Rica. Novon
IUCN (2013). Podocarpus costaricensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Farjon, A. (2010). A Handbook of the World's Conifers. Brill Academic Publishers
The Ciprecillo stands as both a warning and a call to action. This critically endangered endemic exists only in Costa Rica, known from only four locations—perhaps fewer trees than people who will read this page. Its survival depends on immediate and sustained conservation action. Every forest fragment protected, every seedling cultivated, every awareness raised brings us closer to ensuring this ancient lineage survives for future generations to discover and appreciate.
