Muñeco
Cordia collococca
Native Region
Central America and Caribbean
Max Height
15-25 meters
Family
Boraginaceae
Conservation
LC
Uses
Distribution in Costa Rica
Legend
Elevation
0-800m
Regions
- Guanacaste
- Puntarenas
- Alajuela
- Limón
- Heredia
- San José
- Cartago
Season
Flowering
Mar-May
Fruiting
May-Jul
Muñeco
Muñeco (Cordia collococca) is one of Costa Rica's most important native trees for wildlife, producing thousands of small fruits that attract toucans, parrots, tanagers, and dozens of other bird species. Its white flower clusters and abundant fruiting make it a cornerstone species for ecological restoration.
Quick Reference
- Scientific Name
- Cordia collococca
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Max Height
- 15-25 m
- Flowering
- March-May
- Conservation
- Least Concern
- Habitat
- Lowland tropical forests
iNaturalist Observations
Community-powered species data
900
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 Muñeco in Costa Rica
Distribution:
- Guanacaste — Throughout dry and moist forests
- Pacific Slope — Common in lowlands
- Atlantic Lowlands — Less common
- Central Valley — Lower elevations
Elevation: Sea level to ~800 m
Habitat & Ecology
Forest Role
Muñeco's ecological importance:
- Secondary forest species — Colonizes disturbed areas
- Canopy or sub-canopy — Fills forest layers
- Wildlife magnet — Critical food source
- Fast establishment — Quick to reproduce
- Restoration species — Ideal for projects
Wildlife Value
One of the best bird trees:
- Toucans — Regular visitors
- Parrots — Consume fruits
- Tanagers — Major fruit consumers
- Thrushes — Dispersal agents
- 40+ bird species documented
Muñeco is considered a "keystone species" for wildlife because of its abundant fruit production during months when other food sources may be scarce. A single tree can feed dozens of bird species over its fruiting season.
Botanical Description
Muñeco typically develops a short trunk that branches early, creating a broad, spreading crown. The overall appearance is somewhat irregular but attractive.
Wood Properties
Appearance
Physical Properties
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 450-550 kg/m³ | Medium weight |
| Grain | Straight to interlocked | Variable |
| Texture | Medium to coarse | Open pores |
| Durability | Low to moderate | Interior use mainly |
| Workability | Good | Easy to work |
Muñeco wood is not considered a major timber species but is used locally for light construction, posts, and firewood. Its primary value lies in its ecological importance rather than timber production.
Uses
Primary applications:
- Wildlife food — Critical bird species support
- Forest restoration — Native species planting
- Biological corridors — Connectivity plantings
- Shade provision — Pastures and coffee
- Living fences — Rural boundaries
Conservation Status
Conservation Status: Stable
Muñeco populations are healthy:
- IUCN: Least Concern
- Wide distribution across Central America
- Common in secondary forests
- Adapts well to disturbed areas
- Increasingly planted in restoration
Growing Muñeco
Methods:
- Seeds — Fresh seeds germinate well
- Clean seeds from pulp before planting
- Germination in 2-4 weeks
- Tolerates transplanting
- Can be established from cuttings
Similar Species
Where to See Muñeco Trees
Best Locations in Costa Rica
Protected Areas:
- Palo Verde National Park — Common in dry forest
- Santa Rosa National Park — Throughout
- Carara National Park — Transitional forest
- Rincón de la Vieja — Lower elevations
Identification Tips:
- White flower clusters in dry season
- Red fruits attract many birds
- Rough, sandpapery leaves
- Medium-sized spreading tree
External Resources
Community observations, photos, and distribution data
Global observations
Official taxonomy and botanical information
Kew Gardens
References
📚 Scientific References & Further Reading
Gentry, A.H. (1993). A Field Guide to the Families and Genera of Woody Plants of Northwest South America. Conservation International
Janzen, D.H. (1983). Costa Rican Natural History. University of Chicago Press
Cordia collococca embodies the concept of ecosystem services — providing invaluable food resources for Costa Rica's remarkable bird diversity. While it may not produce valuable timber, its ecological importance cannot be overstated. Every Muñeco tree is a feeding station, a seed dispersal hub, and a vital link in the forest food web.
🌳 ¡Pura Vida!
