Cristóbal
Platymiscium pinnatum
Native Region
Central America and northern South America
Max Height
25-40 meters (82-130 feet)
Family
Fabaceae
Conservation
NT
Uses
Distribution in Costa Rica
Legend
Elevation
0-1000m
Regions
- Guanacaste
- Puntarenas
- Alajuela
- San José
Season
Flowering
Feb-Apr
Fruiting
Apr-Jun
Cristóbal
Cristóbal (Platymiscium pinnatum) produces one of Central America's most beautiful and valuable woods. With its striking reddish-brown heartwood and excellent working properties, this tree has been prized by woodworkers for centuries.
Quick Reference
- Scientific Name
- Platymiscium pinnatum
- Family
- Fabaceae (Legume)
- Max Height
- 25-40 m (82-130 ft)
- Flowering
- February-April
- Conservation
- Near Threatened (IUCN)
- Wood Type
- Premium hardwood
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 Cristóbal in Costa Rica
Primary Habitats:
- Guanacaste Province — Dry and moist forests
- Nicoya Peninsula — Seasonal forests
- Central Pacific — Mixed forests
- Northern lowlands — Remnant populations
Elevation: Sea level to ~1,000 m
Habitat & Ecology
Ecological Role
Cristóbal plays important roles in forest ecosystems:
- Nitrogen fixation — Enriches soil
- Canopy species — Provides forest structure
- Food source — Seeds eaten by wildlife
- Pollinator support — Flowers attract bees
- Shade provision — Understory habitat
Wildlife Associations
Animals associated with Cristóbal:
- Native bees — Primary pollinators
- Parrots — Consume seeds
- Squirrels — Seed predators
- Various moths — Larval host
- Epiphytes — Grow on branches
Due to heavy exploitation for its valuable timber, Cristóbal populations have declined significantly. It is now listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN, and harvest is regulated in several countries.
Botanical Description
Cristóbal develops a tall, straight trunk with a well-formed crown, making it an excellent timber tree. The trunk is typically clear of branches for much of its height.
Wood Properties
Appearance
Cristóbal wood is among the finest in Central America, comparable to rosewood in beauty and workability. Its rich color, excellent grain, and natural luster make it highly sought after for fine furniture and musical instruments.
Physical Properties
Uses & Applications
Cristóbal wood is prized for its workability despite its hardness. It cuts cleanly, takes a beautiful polish, and produces stunning finished pieces. The wood is stable and durable, making items that last for generations.
Conservation Status
Conservation Concerns
Threats to Cristóbal:
- Overharvesting — Valuable timber heavily exploited
- Habitat loss — Deforestation reduces populations
- Slow growth — Difficult to replace harvested trees
- Selective logging — Removes best specimens
- Limited regeneration — Seedlings rarely survive
| Factor | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IUCN Status | ⚠️ Near Threatened | Population declining |
| CITES | Not listed | But monitored |
| Costa Rica | ⚠️ Regulated | Harvest permits required |
| Reforestation | Limited | Some plantation trials |
Growing Cristóbal
From Seed:
- Collect fresh seeds from mature pods
- Scarification improves germination
- Soak in water for 24 hours
- Plant in well-drained medium
- Germination in 2-4 weeks
Where to See Cristóbal Trees
Best Locations in Costa Rica
Protected Areas:
- Santa Rosa National Park — Dry forest specimens
- Palo Verde National Park — Seasonal forest
- Guanacaste Conservation Area — Various locations
Tips:
- Look for tall, straight trunks
- Yellow flowers in dry season
- Distinctive compound leaves
- Often in mixed deciduous forest
External Resources
Community observations, photos, and distribution data
Global observations
Conservation status and assessment
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
References
📚 Scientific References & Further Reading
Klitgård, B.B. & Lavin, M. (2005). Dalbergieae sensu lato. Legumes of the World. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Jiménez-Madrigal, Q. (1999). Árboles maderables en peligro de extinción en Costa Rica. Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad (INBio)
The Cristóbal (Platymiscium pinnatum) represents the best of Central America's forest heritage—a magnificent tree that provides both ecological benefits and one of the world's finest cabinet woods. As populations decline, protecting remaining trees and supporting sustainable forestry becomes ever more critical.
🌳 ¡Pura Vida!
