Manú
Minquartia guianensis
Native Region
Central America to Amazon Basin
Max Height
30-45 meters (100-150 feet)
Family
Olacaceae
Conservation
VU
Uses
Distribution in Costa Rica
Legend
Elevation
0-800m
Regions
- Limón
- Heredia
- Alajuela
- Puntarenas
Season
Flowering
Feb-Apr
Fruiting
Jun-Aug
Manú (Black Manwood)
The Manú (Minquartia guianensis) is one of the most valuable and increasingly rare hardwood trees in Costa Rica's lowland rainforests. Its incredibly dense, rot-resistant wood has been prized for centuries, leading to severe overexploitation. Today, large Manú trees are a rare sight, and the species is considered vulnerable throughout its range.
Quick Reference
- Scientific Name
- Minquartia guianensis
- Family
- Olacaceae
- Max Height
- 30-45 m (100-150 ft)
- Trunk Diameter
- Up to 120 cm
- Conservation
- Vulnerable
- Key Feature
- Extremely dense wood
iNaturalist Observations
Community-powered species data
320
Observations
186
Observers
📸 Photo Gallery
Photos sourced from iNaturalist community science database. View all observations →↗
Taxonomy and Classification
- Minquartia: Named after mineralogist/botanist (uncertain origin) - guianensis: From the Guianas region of South America - Manú: Indigenous name widely used in Central America - Also known as Black Manwood, Ironwood
Common Names
| Language/Region | Common Name(s) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| English | Black Manwood, Ironwood | From wood color and hardness |
| Spanish (Costa Rica) | Manú, Manú Negro | Indigenous name |
| Spanish (Panama) | Manú | Same indigenous origin |
| Indigenous (Bribri) | Various traditional names | Sacred/utilitarian |
| Trade | Minquartia | From scientific name |
Physical Description
Overall Form
The Manú is a large, emergent rainforest tree that towers above the canopy. It develops a straight, cylindrical trunk with large buttress roots at the base. The crown is relatively small and rounded compared to the massive trunk. Old-growth specimens are becoming increasingly rare due to their timber value.
Distinctive Features
Leaves
- Type: Simple, alternate
- Size: 8-15 cm long
- Shape: Elliptic to oblong
- Texture: Leathery, glossy
- Color: Dark green above
- Tip: Acuminate (pointed)
Bark
- Color: Dark brown to black
- Texture: Deeply fissured
- Thickness: Very thick (5+ cm)
- Feature: Large buttress roots
Flowers
- Type: Small, perfect flowers
- Color: Greenish-white
- Arrangement: Short racemes
- Size: 3-5 mm diameter
- Fragrance: Subtle
- Timing: Dry season
Fruits
- Type: Drupe
- Size: 2-3 cm diameter
- Color: Purple-black when ripe
- Flesh: Thin, oily
- Seed: Single, large
The Legendary Timber
Exceptional Wood Properties
Manú wood is among the densest and most durable in the Neotropics. With a specific gravity exceeding 1.0 (it sinks in water!), this timber resists decay, insects, and mechanical damage for decades—even when in contact with soil or water.
Wood Characteristics
- Density: 1.05-1.25 g/cm³
- Hardness: Extremely hard (6,000+ lbf Janka)
- Color: Dark brown to black heartwood
- Grain: Fine, interlocked
- Durability: Class 1 (50+ years in ground)
- Workability: Very difficult (dulls tools)
Traditional Uses
- House posts and beams
- Bridge construction
- Fence posts (last 40+ years)
- Tool handles and implements
- Canoe paddles (indigenous)
- Railway ties (historically)
Conservation Status
A Species in Decline
Manú has been heavily logged throughout its range due to its exceptional timber value. Large, mature trees are now rare, and the species faces ongoing pressure from illegal logging even in protected areas. Recovery is slow due to the tree's extremely slow growth rate.
Conservation Challenges
Threats
- Selective logging (targets largest trees)
- Habitat loss from deforestation
- Illegal timber extraction
- Slow reproduction
- Climate change impacts
Protection Efforts
- Listed in national forestry regulations
- Protected in some national parks
- Sustainable harvest programs (limited)
- Reforestation trials underway
- Seed collection for conservation
Ecological Importance
Rainforest Ecosystem Role
Habitat Services
- Emergent tree provides canopy structure
- Nesting sites for large birds
- Buttress roots create microhabitats
- Long lifespan stores significant carbon
- Keystone species in mature forest
Food Web
- Fruits eaten by large birds
- Toucans, guans key dispersers
- Agoutis cache seeds
- Monkey consumption
- Bat visitation for fruits
Distribution in Costa Rica
Manú occurs in Costa Rica's Caribbean lowland rainforests, primarily below 800 meters elevation. The best chances to see large specimens are in well-protected reserves like La Selva and Tortuguero.
Key Observation Sites
| Location | Province | Status | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Selva Biological Station | Heredia | Good populations | Research permits |
| Tortuguero National Park | Limón | Protected | Park trails/boats |
| Braulio Carrillo NP | Heredia/Limón | Some large trees | Limited trails |
| Hitoy-Cerere Biological Reserve | Limón | Remote populations | Difficult access |
| Caribbean indigenous territories | Limón | Traditional protection | Permission required |
Traditional Knowledge
Indigenous Uses
The Bribri and Cabécar peoples of Costa Rica have long traditions with Manú:
Construction
- House posts (last generations)
- Bridge supports
- Canoe paddles
- Tool handles
- Traditional architecture
Cultural Significance
- Associated with permanence
- Used in important structures
- Knowledge of sustainable harvest
- Traditional forest management
- Spiritual connections
Growing Information
Cultivation Challenges
| Factor | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Climate | Tropical wet | High rainfall essential |
| Temperature | 24-30°C (75-86°F) | Lowland tropical |
| Rainfall | 3000-5000mm annually | No dry season |
| Soil | Deep, well-drained | Fertile forest soils |
| Light | Shade tolerant when young | Eventually emergent |
| Growth Rate | Very slow | May take 100+ years to mature |
Reforestation Potential
While Manú is extremely slow-growing, enrichment planting efforts are underway:
- Seeds collected from remaining large trees
- Nursery propagation developing
- Enrichment planting in degraded forests
- Long-term carbon storage potential
- Genetic conservation programs
Similar Species
| Species | Scientific Name | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Almendro | Dipteryx panamensis | Different family, almond-shaped seeds |
| Níspero | Manilkara chicle | Milky latex, different bark |
| Caobilla | Carapa guianensis | Different bark, compound leaves |
| Cocobolo | Dalbergia retusa | Smaller tree, dry forest habitat |
Interesting Facts
References and Resources
| Resource | Type | Link |
|---|---|---|
| iNaturalist | Observations | https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/504891-Minquartia-guianensis |
| GBIF | Distribution Data | https://www.gbif.org/species/4929583 |
| IUCN Red List | Conservation Status | https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/32291/9689770 |
