Fruta Dorada
Virola koschnyi
Native Region
Central America
Max Height
35-45 meters
Family
Myristicaceae
Conservation
VU
Uses
Distribution in Costa Rica
Legend
Elevation
0-800m
Regions
- Limón
- Heredia
- Alajuela
- Puntarenas
Season
Flowering
Feb-Apr
Fruiting
Jun-Sep
Fruta Dorada
The Fruta Dorada (Virola koschnyi), or Golden Fruit tree, is a majestic rainforest canopy tree whose distinctive bright red fruits split open to reveal golden-yellow arils that are irresistible to toucans, monkeys, and dozens of other wildlife species. This member of the nutmeg family is a keystone species for rainforest food webs.
Quick Reference
- Scientific Name
- Virola koschnyi
- Family
- Myristicaceae (Nutmeg)
- Max Height
- 35-45 m
- Flowering
- February-April
- Conservation
- Vulnerable (IUCN)
- Habitat
- Lowland wet forests
iNaturalist Observations
Community-powered species data
280
Observations
186
Observers
📸 Photo Gallery
Photos sourced from iNaturalist's citizen science database. View all observations →↗
Taxonomy & Classification
Geographic Distribution
Geographic Distribution
Where to Find Fruta Dorada in Costa Rica
Primary Habitats:
- Caribbean lowlands — Primary habitat
- Osa Peninsula — Old-growth forests
- Northern Zone — La Selva region
- Sarapiquí — Intact rainforest fragments
Elevation: Sea level to ~800 m
Habitat & Ecology
Ecological Role
Fruta Dorada plays a crucial ecological role:
- Keystone food source — Fruit critical for many species
- Canopy architecture — Major structural element
- Bird dispersal — Toucans, guans spread seeds
- Nutrient cycling — Large leaf litter contribution
- Forest connectivity — Links forest strata
Wildlife Associations
Animals depending on Fruta Dorada:
- Keel-billed Toucan — Primary seed disperser
- Spider Monkeys — Aril consumers
- Howler Monkeys — Aril consumers
- Crested Guans — Important dispersers
- Great Green Macaw — Seed consumer
- Resplendent Quetzal — Occasional visitor
Fruiting Fruta Dorada trees are hotspots for wildlife viewing. The bright golden arils are highly nutritious and visible from a distance, attracting large frugivorous birds and mammals that can travel considerable distances for this reliable food source.
Botanical Description
Fruta Dorada develops tall, straight boles with small buttresses at the base. The crown emerges above the main forest canopy, making it visible from a distance during fruiting season.
Wood Properties
Appearance
Physical Properties
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 350-450 kg/m³ | Very light wood |
| Grain | Straight | Easy to work |
| Texture | Medium to coarse | Peels well for plywood |
| Durability | Low | Not decay resistant |
Despite its low durability, Virola's light weight and straight grain make it excellent for rotary-peeled plywood veneers. It was heavily exported from Central America for plywood manufacture in the 20th century.
Uses
Commercial applications:
- Plywood — Primary commercial use
- Interior paneling — Non-structural
- Boxes and crates — Packaging
- Moldings — Interior trim
- Particleboard — Composite panels
Virola wood is NOT suitable for exterior use or structural applications due to its low natural durability. It requires preservative treatment for any outdoor exposure.
Conservation Status
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Fruta Dorada faces multiple threats:
- IUCN: Vulnerable (VU)
- Habitat loss — Deforestation in lowland forests
- Historic over-harvest — Heavy logging for plywood
- Slow regeneration — Large-seeded, disperser-dependent
- Climate change — Lowland forest vulnerability
| Factor | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IUCN Status | ⚠️ Vulnerable | Population declining |
| Costa Rica | 🔶 Declining | Lost with deforestation |
| Timber pressure | 🔶 Reduced | Less demand now |
| Ecological value | ✅ Recognized | Protected in reserves |
Growing Fruta Dorada
From Seed:
- Collect fresh fruits when they split open
- Remove aril (attracts pests)
- Plant immediately (recalcitrant seeds)
- Keep in humid shade
- Germination in 3-6 weeks
Seeds lose viability quickly and cannot be stored dry. Plant within days of collection for best results.
Similar Species
Where to See Fruta Dorada Trees
Best Locations in Costa Rica
Protected Areas:
- Corcovado National Park — Old-growth forest
- La Selva Biological Station — Research trails
- Tortuguero National Park — Lowland wet forest
- Braulio Carrillo National Park — Caribbean slope
Tips:
- Look for fruiting trees June-September
- Watch for toucans and monkeys feeding
- The red split fruits are distinctive
- Listen for feeding frenzies at dawn
External Resources
Community observations, photos, and distribution data
Global observations
Conservation status and threats
IUCN
References
📚 Scientific References & Further Reading
Howe, H.F. & Vande Kerckhove, G.A. (1981). Removal of wild nutmeg (Virola surinamensis) crops by birds. Ecology 62(4): 1093-1106
Wheelwright, N.T. (1983). Fruits and the ecology of Resplendent Quetzals. The Auk 100: 286-301
The Fruta Dorada (Virola koschnyi) is a perfect example of why rainforest conservation matters beyond timber. While its soft wood has commercial value, its ecological role as a keystone fruit source for toucans, monkeys, and countless other species makes each tree a vital node in the forest food web. Protecting these trees means protecting entire communities of wildlife.
🌳 ¡Pura Vida!
