Laurel Negro
Cordia megalantha
Native Region
Central America and Mexico
Max Height
30-45 meters (100-150 feet)
Family
Boraginaceae
Conservation
VU
Uses
Distribution in Costa Rica
Legend
Elevation
0-1200m
Regions
- Guanacaste
- Puntarenas
- Alajuela
- San José
- Limón
Season
Flowering
Jan-Mar
Fruiting
Mar-May
Laurel Negro
Laurel Negro (Cordia megalantha), also known as Black Laurel, is one of the most prized native timber trees of Costa Rica's Pacific slope. Its dense, dark heartwood produces furniture and construction timber of exceptional quality, comparable to imported precious woods.
Quick Reference
- Scientific Name
- Cordia megalantha
- Family
- Boraginaceae (Borage)
- Max Height
- 30-45 m (100-150 ft)
- Flowering
- January-March (dry season)
- Conservation
- Vulnerable (IUCN)
- Habitat
- Pacific dry and moist forests
iNaturalist Observations
Community-powered species data
95
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 Laurel Negro in Costa Rica
Primary Habitats:
- Guanacaste Province — Dry to moist forest transitions
- Nicoya Peninsula — Remnant forest patches
- Central Pacific — Moist forest zones
- Central Valley edges — Lower slopes
Elevation: Sea level to ~1,200 m
Habitat & Ecology
Ecological Role
Laurel Negro provides multiple ecosystem services:
- Canopy shade — Forest structure
- Wildlife food — Fruit for birds
- Pollinator support — Showy flowers
- Erosion control — Deep root system
- Nitrogen cycling — Leaf litter contribution
Wildlife Associations
Animals dependent on Laurel Negro:
- Toucans — Eat fruit
- Parrots — Fruit and nesting
- Bees — Flower nectar
- Moths — Night pollination
- Squirrels — Seed dispersal
Laurel Negro has been heavily logged due to its valuable timber. Wild populations are now uncommon, and the species is considered vulnerable. Sustainable plantation forestry is being developed.
Botanical Description
Laurel Negro develops into a large, well-formed tree with excellent trunk quality. The straight bole and minimal branching in the lower trunk make it ideal for timber production.
Wood Properties
Appearance
Physical Properties
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 700-850 kg/m³ | Heavy, dense wood |
| Grain | Straight to interlocked | Attractive figure |
| Texture | Medium to fine | Takes excellent polish |
| Durability | Very high | Naturally rot-resistant |
Laurel Negro heartwood is among the finest native timbers of Central America. Its dark color, high density, and excellent workability place it in the same class as imported tropical hardwoods.
Uses
Premium uses:
- Fine furniture — Dining tables, chairs, beds
- Cabinetry — Kitchen cabinets, wardrobes
- Flooring — Hardwood floors (limited)
- Doors — Interior and exterior
- Musical instruments — Guitar bodies and backs
- Boat building — Hulls and decking
The dark heartwood can be finished to a near-ebony appearance, making it highly sought after for luxury furniture and decorative woodwork.
Conservation Status
Conservation Concerns
Threats to Laurel Negro:
- Over-harvesting — High timber value
- Habitat loss — Deforestation pressure
- Slow growth — Long rotation times
- Selective logging — Best trees removed
- Limited regeneration — Reduced seed sources
| Factor | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IUCN Status | ⚠️ Vulnerable | Population declining |
| Costa Rica | ⚠️ Rare | Wild populations uncommon |
| Timber status | 🔶 Regulated | Harvest permits required |
| Plantations | 🔵 Developing | Sustainable forestry growing |
Growing Laurel Negro
From Seed:
- Collect ripe fruit (white/yellow)
- Remove sticky pulp
- Plant fresh for best germination
- Germination in 2-4 weeks
- Nursery period 6-12 months
Similar Species
Where to See Laurel Negro Trees
Best Locations in Costa Rica
Protected Areas:
- Palo Verde National Park — Dry forest remnants
- Santa Rosa National Park — Old-growth patches
- Carara National Park — Transition zone forest
- Private reserves — Guanacaste region
Tips:
- Look for large trees with dark, fissured bark
- Visit during flowering (Jan-Mar) for identification
- Ask local guides—known timber species
- Check forest edges and pasture remnants
External Resources
Community observations, photos, and distribution data
Global observations
Taxonomic information and specimens
Missouri Botanical Garden
References
📚 Scientific References & Further Reading
Jiménez, Q., et al. (2002). Árboles maderables de Costa Rica. Editorial INBio, Costa Rica
Holdridge, L.R. & Poveda, L.J. (1975). Árboles de Costa Rica Vol. 1. Centro Científico Tropical
The Laurel Negro (Cordia megalantha) represents the finest traditions of Costa Rican woodworking. Its dark, lustrous heartwood has graced fine furniture for generations, and today sustainable forestry efforts are working to ensure this magnificent species continues to thrive for future craftsmen and forests alike.
🌳 ¡Pura Vida!
