Pilón
Hyeronima alchorneoides
Native Region
Central America and Northern South America
Max Height
25-40 meters (80-130 feet)
Family
Phyllanthaceae
Conservation
NE
Uses
Distribution in Costa Rica
Legend
Elevation
0-1000m
Regions
- Limón
- Alajuela
- Heredia
- Puntarenas
Season
Flowering
Mar-Apr
Fruiting
Jul-Sep
Pilón
Pilón (Hyeronima alchorneoides) is not a showpiece wood. It is a trust wood—selected when longevity, strength, and reliability matter. For Costa Rica, it remains one of the most important and quietly dependable native hardwoods.
Quick Reference
- Scientific Name
- Hyeronima alchorneoides
- Family
- Phyllanthaceae
- Max Height
- 25-40 m (80-130 ft)
- Hardness
- ~1,500 lbf (Janka)
- Durability
- High
- Conservation
- Managed Resource
iNaturalist Observations
Community-powered species data
298
Observations
186
Observers
📸 Photo Gallery
Photos sourced from iNaturalist's community science database. Browse all 298+ observations →↗
Taxonomy & Classification
Geographic Distribution
Geographic Distribution
Where to Find Pilón in Costa Rica
Primary Habitats:
- Atlantic Lowlands — Abundant in Limón Province
- Osa Peninsula — Old-growth specimens in protected areas
- Northern Zone — San Carlos, Sarapiquí regions
- Central Valley foothills — Premontane forests
Elevation: Sea level to ~1,000 m
Habitat & Ecology
Ecological Role
Pilón is a canopy to sub-canopy species that contributes significantly to:
- Forest structure and vertical stratification
- Long-term carbon storage (slow-growing = dense wood)
- Habitat for epiphytes and canopy wildlife
- Seed dispersal networks
Growth Characteristics
Not a pioneer species — Pilón requires established forest conditions:
- Shade-tolerant as juvenile
- Slow to moderate growth rate
- Long-lived (100+ years)
- Requires patience for plantation forestry
Botanical Description
Wood Properties
Color Transformation
Pilón's color transformation over time is one of its subtle charms. The wood darkens from pale pink when freshly cut to a rich, warm brown—developing character rather than deteriorating.
Physical Properties
Working with Pilón
✅ Strengths
- High natural durability
- Excellent insect resistance
- Good fungal decay resistance
- Predictable wood movement
- Beautiful aging patina
- Excellent outdoor performance
- Strong screw-holding capacity
⚠️ Considerations
- Heavier than many alternatives
- Can dull tools faster
- Requires proper drying time
- Not visually dramatic
- Needs sustainable sourcing
- Punishes rushed processing
Applications
Pilón is ideal when reliability matters more than visual extravagance. Choose it for projects where longevity, structural integrity, and quiet elegance are priorities.
Sustainability & Conservation
Pilón was historically overharvested due to its excellent properties. Today it is considered a managed resource in Costa Rica—responsible sourcing is essential.
Current Availability
| Source | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plantations | ✅ Available | Best sustainable option |
| Regulated Forestry | ✅ Available | Requires permits |
| Reclaimed Lumber | ✅ Available | Excellent choice |
| Wild Harvest | ⚠️ Restricted | Heavily regulated |
Reforestation Potential
Pilón is included in many Costa Rican reforestation programs through organizations like CATIE and SINAC. Its slow growth is offset by:
- High wood value per tree
- Carbon sequestration benefits
- Native ecosystem restoration value
Cultural Significance
Pilón represents a traditional Costa Rican approach to wood:
- Build once — Invest in quality materials
- Build strong — Prioritize structural integrity
- Expect longevity — Plan for generations
It is a species chosen by experience rather than fashion.
External Resources
Community observations, photos, and distribution data
298+ observations worldwide
Global biodiversity records and specimen data
Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Authoritative taxonomic information from Kew
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Tropical agricultural research and education (forestry programs)
Centro Agronómico Tropical
References
📚 Scientific References & Further Reading
Flores, E.M. (2002). Hyeronima alchorneoides Allemão. Tropical Tree Seed Manual, USDA Forest Service[Link ↗]
Montagnini, F., & Jordan, C.F. (2005). Tropical Forest Ecology: The Basis for Conservation and Management. Springer
CATIE (Various). Silvicultura de Especies Promisorias para Producción de Leña en América Central. Technical Reports[Link ↗]
Pilón (Hyeronima alchorneoides) is not a showpiece wood. It is a trust wood—selected when longevity, strength, and reliability matter. For Costa Rica, it remains one of the most important and quietly dependable native hardwoods.
