Orey
Campnosperma panamense
Native Region
Central America
Max Height
25-35 meters (82-115 feet)
Family
Anacardiaceae
Conservation
LC
Uses
Distribution in Costa Rica
Legend
Elevation
0-300m
Regions
- Limón
- Heredia
- Puntarenas
- Alajuela
Season
Flowering
Jan-Feb, Dec
Fruiting
Mar-May
Orey
Orey (Campnosperma panamense) is a remarkable wetland specialist that dominates the flooded forests of Costa Rica's Caribbean lowlands. With its distinctive stilt roots and ability to thrive in permanently waterlogged conditions, it represents one of nature's most specialized tree adaptations.
Quick Reference
- Scientific Name
- Campnosperma panamense
- Family
- Anacardiaceae (Cashew)
- Max Height
- 25-35 m (82-115 ft)
- Flowering
- December-February
- Conservation
- Least Concern (IUCN)
- Habitat
- Freshwater swamps
iNaturalist Observations
Community-powered species data
1
Observations
186
Observers
📸 Photo Gallery
The Orey (Campnosperma panamense) is one of Costa Rica's least documented tree species. It grows primarily in remote, flooded swamp forests that are difficult to access, and very few photographs exist in scientific databases.
Help document this rare species! If you photograph Orey in the wild, please contribute to iNaturalist↗ or GBIF↗ to help build the scientific record.
Taxonomy & Classification
Geographic Distribution
Geographic Distribution
Where to Find Orey in Costa Rica
Primary Habitats:
- Tortuguero Region — Extensive swamp forests
- Río San Juan Basin — Flooded forest corridors
- Caribbean Lowlands — Permanent wetlands
- Barra del Colorado — Swamp forest stands
Elevation: Sea level to ~300 m
Habitat & Ecology
Ecological Role
Orey creates unique wetland ecosystems:
- Swamp formation — Dominant canopy species
- Stilt roots — Create aquatic habitat
- Organic matter — Builds peat soils
- Water filtration — Wetland purification
- Carbon storage — Peatland accumulation
Wildlife Associations
Animals found in Orey swamps:
- Manatees — Feed in waterways
- Crocodiles — Hunt among roots
- Kingfishers — Perch and fish
- Freshwater turtles — Nest on root platforms
- Various fish — Stilt root nursery
Orey forests are significant peat-forming ecosystems. The waterlogged, oxygen-poor conditions slow decomposition, allowing organic matter to accumulate over millennia. These peat deposits store enormous amounts of carbon.
Botanical Description
The most striking feature is the elaborate system of stilt roots that elevate the trunk above the waterline. These aerial roots can extend 2-3 meters from the trunk base, creating an intricate lattice that provides stability in soft, waterlogged soils.
Wood Properties
Appearance
Physical Properties
Uses & Applications
Despite its wetland origin, Orey produces good quality veneer for plywood production. The straight grain and workability make it valuable for interior applications where durability is less critical.
Conservation Status
Conservation Concerns
Threats to Orey:
- Wetland drainage — Agricultural conversion
- Logging — Timber extraction
- Climate change — Altered hydrology
- Development — Coastal zone pressure
- Limited range — Endemic to Central America
| Factor | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IUCN Status | ⚠️ Vulnerable | Population declining |
| Costa Rica | ⚠️ At Risk | Limited to Caribbean |
| Habitat | ⚠️ Threatened | Swamps disappearing |
| Protected | 🔶 Partial | Some in Tortuguero |
Growing Orey
From Seed:
- Collect ripe purple-black fruits
- Clean and plant fresh
- Requires waterlogged conditions
- Shade tolerant initially
- Develops stilt roots as grows
Where to See Orey Trees
Best Locations in Costa Rica
Protected Areas:
- Tortuguero National Park — Best populations
- Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge — Extensive swamps
- Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge — Accessible wetlands
Tips:
- Take boat tours through swamp forests
- Look for distinctive stilt root systems
- Visit during drier months for access
- Hire local guides familiar with wetlands
External Resources
Community observations, photos, and distribution data
Global observations
Botanical information and nomenclature
Missouri Botanical Garden
References
📚 Scientific References & Further Reading
Myers, R.L. (1990). Palm swamps in the neotropics. Ecosystems of the World 15B: Forested Wetlands
Holdridge, L.R., et al. (1971). Forest Environments in Tropical Life Zones. Pergamon Press, Oxford
The Orey (Campnosperma panamense) exemplifies nature's ability to adapt to extreme conditions. Rising on stilt roots from permanently flooded forests, this tree has mastered an environment where few others can survive. As Costa Rica's wetlands face mounting pressures, protecting Orey forests means preserving unique ecosystems that have developed over millennia.
🌳 ¡Pura Vida!
