Corteza Amarilla
Handroanthus ochraceus
Native Region
Mexico to northern South America
Max Height
15-25 meters (50-80 feet)
Family
Bignoniaceae
Conservation
LC
Uses
Distribution in Costa Rica
Legend
Elevation
0-800m
Regions
- Guanacaste
- Puntarenas
- Alajuela
- San José
Season
Flowering
Mar-Apr
Fruiting
May-Jul
Corteza Amarilla
Corteza Amarilla (Handroanthus ochraceus), also known as Yellow Cortez or Golden Trumpet Tree, transforms Costa Rica's dry season landscapes into seas of brilliant yellow. When most trees are dormant and leafless, this species erupts in spectacular bloom, making it one of the country's most beloved and recognizable native trees.
Quick Reference
- Scientific Name
- Handroanthus ochraceus
- Family
- Bignoniaceae (Trumpet Tree)
- Max Height
- 15-25 m (50-80 ft)
- Trunk Diameter
- Up to 60 cm
- Conservation
- Least Concern
- Flowering
- February–April
iNaturalist Observations
Community-powered species data
3842
Observations
186
Observers
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Taxonomy & Classification
This species was formerly classified as Tabebuia ochracea and is still commonly referred to by that name. The genus Handroanthus was separated from Tabebuia based on molecular phylogenetic studies, though the change remains debated. Both names refer to the same spectacular yellow-flowering tree.
Common Names
| Language | Common Name(s) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish (Costa Rica) | Corteza Amarilla, Cortés Amarillo | Yellow bark/cortex |
| Spanish (General) | Guayacán Amarillo, Roble Amarillo | Yellow guayacán/oak |
| English | Yellow Cortez, Golden Trumpet Tree | Flower color reference |
| English | Yellow Poui, Yellow Ipê | Caribbean and Brazilian names |
| Portuguese | Ipê-amarelo | National tree symbol of Brazil |
Physical Description
Overall Form
The Corteza Amarilla is a medium-sized deciduous tree with a rounded, spreading crown. During the dry season, it drops its leaves and produces one of nature's most spectacular floral displays.
Distinctive Features
Trunk & Bark
- Bark: Gray to light brown, deeply fissured in mature trees
- Wood: Hard, heavy, and durable (specific gravity 0.9-1.1)
- Color: Yellowish-brown heartwood with darker streaks
- Texture: Fine-grained, takes excellent polish
Leaves
- Type: Compound, palmately arranged (5-7 leaflets)
- Leaflet Shape: Elliptic to obovate, serrated margins
- Size: Leaflets 5-15 cm long
- Texture: Rough upper surface, hairy beneath
- Timing: Deciduous, falling before flowering
Flowers
- Color: Bright golden-yellow with red-orange throat markings
- Shape: Tubular-campanulate (trumpet-shaped)
- Size: 5-8 cm long, 3-5 cm wide
- Arrangement: Terminal clusters of 5-15 flowers
- Season: Peak February to April (dry season)
- Fragrance: Delicate, sweet honey scent
Fruits & Seeds
- Type: Linear capsule (pod)
- Size: 15-35 cm long, 1-2 cm wide
- Color: Brown when mature
- Seeds: Winged, wind-dispersed
- Timing: Mature 6-8 weeks after flowering
The spectacular mass flowering is triggered by the first heavy rains following a prolonged dry period, or by a sharp drop in temperature. This synchronous blooming ensures effective cross-pollination and creates the breathtaking golden displays Costa Rica is famous for.
Distribution & Habitat
Native Range
Geographic Distribution
Distribution in Costa Rica
Corteza Amarilla is found throughout Costa Rica's Pacific slope and Central Valley, from sea level to about 1,200 meters elevation. It is most abundant in the dry forests of Guanacaste and the seasonal forests of the Central Valley.
| Province | Prevalence | Notable Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Guanacaste | Very Common | Throughout dry forests, national parks |
| San José | Common | Central Valley, urban areas |
| Alajuela | Common | Central Valley to northern lowlands |
| Heredia | Moderate | Lower elevations of Central Valley |
| Puntarenas | Common | Pacific coast, Nicoya Peninsula |
| Cartago | Less Common | Western slopes only |
| Limón | Rare | Caribbean too wet for optimal growth |
Preferred Habitat
- Elevation: Sea level to 1,200 m
- Climate: Tropical dry to moist forest zones
- Rainfall: 1,000-2,500 mm with distinct dry season
- Temperature: 20-30°C average
- Soil: Well-drained, tolerates poor and rocky soils
- Light: Full sun required for best flowering
Ecological Significance
Dry Season Resource
The Corteza Amarilla blooms during the driest months when few other trees flower, making it a critical nectar and pollen source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. A single tree can support thousands of pollinator visits during its peak bloom period.
Wildlife Interactions
Pollinators
The flowers attract diverse pollinators:
- Native Bees: Carpenter bees, stingless bees (Meliponini)
- Honeybees: Important managed and feral populations
- Hummingbirds: Cinnamon, Rufous-tailed, and others
- Butterflies: Sulfurs, swallowtails, and skippers
- Moths: Nocturnal visitors for late-blooming flowers
Other Wildlife
- Orioles: Baltimore and other species visit flowers
- Parakeets: Feed on developing seeds
- Iguanas: Rest in branches, occasional flower consumption
- Epiphytes: Branches support orchids and bromeliads
- Insects: Host to various beetle and caterpillar species
Ecosystem Services
Cultural & Economic Importance
The Golden Season
Costa Rica's Golden Spectacle
Each year between February and April, the blooming of Corteza Amarilla trees transforms the Costa Rican landscape. Entire hillsides turn golden, roadsides become tunnels of yellow, and the event is celebrated as one of nature's great seasonal displays—rivaling cherry blossoms in Japan or fall foliage in New England.
Timber Value
Wood Properties
- Density: Very heavy (900-1,100 kg/m³)
- Durability: Extremely rot-resistant
- Hardness: Janka rating ~2,500 lbf
- Workability: Difficult but takes fine finish
- Natural oils: Resistant to insects and fungi
Traditional Uses
- Construction: Posts, beams, railroad ties
- Furniture: High-end cabinetry and flooring
- Tool Handles: Axes, hammers, agricultural implements
- Outdoor Use: Decking, fencing (highly durable)
- Musical Instruments: Bodies and necks of guitars
Cultural Significance
Apiculture
Corteza Amarilla is one of the most important honey-producing trees in Central America. The abundant nectar during the dry season produces a light-colored, delicately flavored honey prized by beekeepers. In Costa Rica, this "miel de corteza" commands premium prices.
Traditional & Medicinal Uses
Ethnobotanical Applications
The following information is provided for educational purposes only. Traditional uses should not replace professional medical advice.
Conservation Status
Current Assessment
Conservation Status
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern
- Population Trend
- Stable to increasing
- Threats
- Selective logging, habitat loss
- Protection
- Protected in national parks
Threats & Challenges
Historical Pressures
- Selective Logging: High timber value led to overharvesting
- Agricultural Expansion: Dry forest conversion to pasture
- Firewood Collection: Pressure on rural populations
- Urbanization: Loss of urban trees to development
Recovery Factors
- Ornamental Popularity: Widely planted in urban areas
- Protected Areas: Common in Guanacaste national parks
- Reforestation: Included in many restoration projects
- Cultural Value: Community appreciation ensures protection
Conservation Opportunities
- Support dry forest conservation in Guanacaste
- Plant native Corteza Amarilla instead of exotic ornamentals
- Protect existing mature trees on private property
- Collect and propagate seeds from local populations
- Support sustainable forestry certification programs
- Document and photograph blooming events for citizen science
Cultivation & Propagation
Growing Corteza Amarilla
Propagation Methods
From Seeds (Primary Method)
- Collect seeds from mature pods (April-June)
- Sow fresh—viability decreases rapidly
- Plant in well-draining nursery mix
- Light coverage (seeds need some light)
- Keep moist; germination in 10-20 days
- Transplant when 20-30 cm tall
From Cuttings
- Semi-hardwood cuttings in rainy season
- Rooting hormone recommended
- Success rate lower than seeds (40-60%)
- Takes 2-3 months to establish
Growing Conditions
- Sun: Full sun essential for flowering
- Soil: Well-drained, pH 5.5-7.5
- Water: Moderate; drought-tolerant when established
- Elevation: Best below 1,200 m
- Spacing: 8-10 m for ornamental plantings
- First Bloom: 4-8 years from seed
Care Tips
- Pruning: Minimal; shape when young if desired
- Fertilizer: Low nitrogen to promote flowering
- Watering: Deep, infrequent once established
- Pests: Generally pest-resistant
- Site Selection: Avoid waterlogged areas
Identification Guide
How to Identify Corteza Amarilla
Definitive Characteristics:
- Palmately compound leaves with 5-7 serrated leaflets
- Brilliant yellow trumpet flowers in terminal clusters
- Gray, deeply fissured bark on mature trees
- Long, narrow seed pods (15-35 cm)
- Deciduous habit — loses leaves before flowering
- Medium-sized tree with rounded crown
Related Species
The Corteza Family
Costa Rica hosts several related Handroanthus (formerly Tabebuia) species:
| Species | Common Name | Flower Color | Habitat |
|---|---|---|---|
| H. ochraceus | Corteza Amarilla | Golden yellow | Dry to moist forest |
| H. guayacan | Guayacán | Yellow | Wet forest, larger tree |
| H. impetiginosus | Corteza Rosada | Pink to purple | Dry forest |
| H. chrysanthus | Corteza Dorada | Yellow | Dry forest, smaller |
| Tabebuia rosea | Roble de Sabana | Pink | Widespread, common |
During the dry season in Guanacaste, you can often see multiple Handroanthus species blooming simultaneously, creating a rainbow of yellow and pink across the landscape. The pink Roble de Sabana and yellow Corteza Amarilla blooming together is one of Costa Rica's most spectacular natural sights.
External Resources
Community observations and photos from Costa Rica
Taxonomic information and specimen records
Central American forestry research
Costa Rican biodiversity institute
References
📚 Scientific References & Further Reading
Gentry, A.H. (1992). Bignoniaceae: Part II (Tribe Tecomeae). Flora Neotropica Monograph
Grose, S.O. & Olmstead, R.G. (2007). Taxonomic revisions in the polyphyletic genus Tabebuia s.l.. Systematic Botany
Jiménez-Madrigal, Q. (1999). Árboles maderables en peligro de extinción en Costa Rica
Holdridge, L.R. & Poveda, L.J. (1975). Árboles de Costa Rica Vol. 1
For the most spectacular displays of blooming Corteza Amarilla, visit Guanacaste Province between February and April. Santa Rosa National Park, Rincón de la Vieja, and the roads around Liberia offer stunning views. In the Central Valley, look for them along the road to Atenas and throughout the western suburbs of San José. Timing varies by a few weeks depending on rainfall patterns, so check local reports for peak bloom.
