Lechoso
Brosimum utile
Native Region
Central and South America
Max Height
35-50 meters (115-165 feet)
Family
Moraceae
Conservation
VU
Uses
Distribution in Costa Rica
Legend
Elevation
0-800m
Regions
- Limón
- Heredia
- Alajuela
- Puntarenas
Season
Flowering
Feb-Apr
Fruiting
May-Jul
Lechoso
Lechoso (Brosimum utile), also known as Cow Tree or Sande, is one of the most remarkable trees of Costa Rica's lowland rainforests. Its name comes from the edible white latex ("leche" means milk in Spanish) that indigenous peoples have consumed for centuries—a rare example of drinkable tree sap.
Quick Reference
- Scientific Name
- Brosimum utile
- Family
- Moraceae (Mulberry)
- Max Height
- 35-50 m (115-165 ft)
- Flowering
- February-April
- Conservation
- Vulnerable (IUCN)
- Habitat
- Lowland rainforest
iNaturalist Observations
Community-powered species data
180
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 Lechoso in Costa Rica
Primary Habitats:
- Osa Peninsula — Primary rainforest remnants
- Sarapiquí Region — Lowland Caribbean forests
- Tortuguero Area — Wet lowland forests
- Braulio Carrillo — Lower elevation zones
Elevation: Sea level to ~800 m
Habitat & Ecology
Ecological Role
Lechoso plays vital roles in rainforest ecosystems:
- Canopy emergent — Reaches above forest canopy
- Wildlife food — Fruit eaten by many species
- Shade tolerance — Can grow in forest gaps
- Long-lived — Multi-century lifespan
- Carbon storage — Massive biomass accumulation
Wildlife Associations
Animals dependent on Lechoso:
- Spider monkeys — Major fruit consumers
- Toucans — Eat and disperse fruit
- Agoutis — Cache fallen fruit
- Tapirs — Consume fallen fruit
- Bats — Nocturnal fruit dispersers
Primary lowland rainforest, where Lechoso thrives, has been heavily impacted by logging and agricultural conversion. The species is now uncommon throughout much of its former range in Costa Rica.
Botanical Description
Lechoso is one of the largest trees in Costa Rica's lowland rainforests, often emerging above the main canopy. The trunk is remarkably straight, making it prized for timber.
Wood Properties
Appearance
Physical Properties
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 450-550 kg/m³ | Moderately light |
| Grain | Straight to interlocked | Generally easy to work |
| Texture | Medium to coarse | Even texture |
| Durability | Moderate | Needs treatment for outdoor use |
Uses
Commercial applications:
- Plywood manufacturing — Major use in Ecuador/Colombia
- Veneer production — Rotary peeled
- Interior construction — Moldings, paneling
- Furniture — Cabinets, shelving
- Boxes and crates — Light construction
The timber is marketed internationally as "Sande" and is one of the most important plywood species in tropical America.
Conservation Status
Conservation Concerns
Threats to Lechoso:
- Logging — Valuable timber species
- Habitat loss — Rainforest conversion
- Slow growth — Long time to maturity
- Selective harvest — Removes best specimens
- Climate change — Drought sensitivity
| Factor | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IUCN Status | ⚠️ Vulnerable | Population declining |
| Costa Rica | ⚠️ Uncommon | Limited to intact forest |
| Timber status | 🔶 Regulated | Harvesting controlled |
| Protected areas | ✅ Present | In national parks |
Growing Lechoso
From Seed:
- Collect fresh fruit
- Remove pulp, clean seeds
- Plant immediately (recalcitrant)
- High humidity required
- Germination in 2-4 weeks
Similar Species
Where to See Lechoso Trees
Best Locations in Costa Rica
Protected Areas:
- Corcovado National Park — Primary rainforest
- La Selva Biological Station — Research trails
- Tortuguero National Park — Lowland wet forest
- Braulio Carrillo National Park — Lower elevations
Tips:
- Look for large emergent trees
- Ask local guides for locations
- Visit during fruiting for wildlife activity
- Bring binoculars for canopy viewing
External Resources
Community observations, photos, and distribution data
Global observations
Conservation status and assessment
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Detailed wood properties and uses
The Wood Database
References
📚 Scientific References & Further Reading
Pennington, T.D. & Sarukhán, J. (2005). Árboles tropicales de México. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Galeano, G. (1992). Brosimum utile in Las plantas utilizadas por la comunidad Miraña. WWF Colombia/Instituto de Ciencias Naturales
The Lechoso (Brosimum utile) represents nature's generosity—a tree that provides timber, food, and medicine. Its unique edible latex made it invaluable to indigenous peoples, and its massive stature makes it a cathedral of the rainforest. Protecting this remarkable species means preserving both biodiversity and cultural heritage.
🌳 ¡Pura Vida!
