Sangrillo
Pterocarpus officinalis
Native Region
Caribbean Basin and Central America
Max Height
25-35 meters (82-115 feet)
Family
Fabaceae
Conservation
VU
Uses
Distribution in Costa Rica
Legend
Elevation
0-500m
Regions
- Limón
- Heredia
- Puntarenas
- Alajuela
Season
Flowering
Mar-May
Fruiting
May-Jul
Sangrillo
Sangrillo (Pterocarpus officinalis) is one of the most distinctive trees of Costa Rica's Caribbean wetlands. Named for its blood-red sap ("sangre" means blood in Spanish), this massive tree develops spectacular buttress roots that can extend several meters from the trunk.
Quick Reference
- Scientific Name
- Pterocarpus officinalis
- Family
- Fabaceae (Legume)
- Max Height
- 25-35 m (82-115 ft)
- Flowering
- March-May
- Conservation
- Vulnerable (IUCN)
- Habitat
- Freshwater swamps
iNaturalist Observations
Community-powered species data
380
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 Sangrillo in Costa Rica
Primary Habitats:
- Tortuguero Region — Freshwater swamp forests
- Caribbean Lowlands — Seasonally flooded areas
- Río San Juan Basin — Wetland corridors
- Sixaola Valley — Riparian forests
Elevation: Sea level to ~500 m
Habitat & Ecology
Ecological Role
Sangrillo is a keystone species in Caribbean wetland ecosystems:
- Buttress roots — Create fish nursery habitat
- Nitrogen fixation — Enriches wetland soils
- Canopy structure — Dominates swamp forest
- Flood tolerance — Survives months underwater
- Wildlife corridor — Connects fragmented wetlands
Wildlife Associations
Animals dependent on Sangrillo:
- Fish — Buttresses provide nursery habitat
- Caimans — Shelter among roots
- Herons & egrets — Nesting colonies
- Bats — Roost in hollow trunks
- Frogs — Breed in root pools
Freshwater swamp forests are among Costa Rica's most threatened ecosystems. Drainage for agriculture, urban development, and climate change all impact Sangrillo populations. Protecting these wetlands is critical for biodiversity.
Botanical Description
The most distinctive feature is the massive plank buttresses that radiate from the trunk base, sometimes extending 3-4 meters out and 2-3 meters high. These provide stability in soft, waterlogged soils.
Wood Properties
Appearance
Physical Properties
Due to its conservation status and wetland habitat, Sangrillo is not commercially harvested. The wood is moderately durable but not as valued as other Pterocarpus species. Its primary value is ecological.
Traditional Uses
Traditional applications of the red sap:
- Wound healing — Applied to cuts
- Anti-diarrheal — Internal use
- Astringent — Stops bleeding
- Dental — Gum disease treatment
- Skin conditions — Various applications
The red sap contains tannins and other compounds with documented antimicrobial properties. However, traditional uses should not replace modern medical treatment.
Conservation Status
Conservation Concerns
Threats to Sangrillo:
- Wetland drainage — Agricultural conversion
- Habitat fragmentation — Isolated populations
- Climate change — Altered hydrology
- Development — Coastal zone pressure
- Limited regeneration — Specific habitat needs
| Factor | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IUCN Status | ⚠️ Vulnerable | Population declining |
| Costa Rica | ⚠️ At Risk | Limited to Caribbean |
| Habitat | ⚠️ Threatened | Wetlands disappearing |
| Protected areas | 🔶 Some | Tortuguero, other parks |
Growing Sangrillo
From Seed:
- Collect fresh winged seeds
- Scarification improves germination
- Plant in waterlogged conditions
- Requires high humidity
- Slow initial growth
Where to See Sangrillo Trees
Best Locations in Costa Rica
Protected Areas:
- Tortuguero National Park — Freshwater swamp forests
- Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge — Wetland habitat
- Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge — Coastal swamps
- Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge — Extensive wetlands
Tips:
- Take boat tours through swamp forests
- Look for massive buttress roots
- Visit during dry season for access
- Hire local guides for best viewing
External Resources
Community observations, photos, and distribution data
Global observations
Conservation status and assessment
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
References
📚 Scientific References & Further Reading
Eusse, A.M. & Aide, T.M. (1999). Patterns of litter production across a salinity gradient in a Pterocarpus officinalis forest. Plant Ecology 145: 307-315
Rivera-Ocasio, E., et al. (2006). Patterns of genetic diversity in Pterocarpus officinalis. Caribbean Journal of Science 42(3): 310-321
The Sangrillo (Pterocarpus officinalis) stands as a sentinel of Costa Rica's threatened wetland ecosystems. With its dramatic buttress roots rising from flooded forests and its blood-red sap steeped in traditional medicine, this tree reminds us of the irreplaceable value of swamp forests—nature's nurseries that sustain countless species.
🌳 ¡Pura Vida!
