Zapatero
Hieronyma oblonga
Native Region
Central and South America
Max Height
25-40 meters
Family
Phyllanthaceae
Conservation
LC
Uses
Distribution in Costa Rica
Legend
Elevation
0-1500m
Regions
- Limón
- Heredia
- Alajuela
- Puntarenas
- San José
- Cartago
Season
Flowering
Mar-May
Fruiting
Jun-Sep
Zapatero
Zapatero (Hieronyma oblonga) is one of Costa Rica's most durable native hardwoods, prized for heavy construction where strength matters. Its distinctive red inner bark has given rise to traditional uses for dyes and medicines across Central America.
Quick Reference
- Scientific Name
- Hieronyma oblonga
- Family
- Phyllanthaceae
- Max Height
- 25-40 m
- Flowering
- March-May
- Conservation
- Least Concern
- Habitat
- Wet forests
iNaturalist Observations
Community-powered species data
500
Observations
186
Observers
📸 Photo Gallery
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Taxonomy & Classification
Geographic Distribution
Geographic Distribution
Where to Find Zapatero in Costa Rica
Primary Distribution:
- Caribbean Lowlands — Common
- Northern Zone — Throughout
- Central Valley Mountains — Mid-elevations
- Pacific Slope — Wet areas
Elevation: Sea level to ~1,500 m
Habitat & Ecology
Forest Role
Zapatero's ecological position:
- Canopy tree — Reaches forest canopy
- Shade tolerant — Grows in understory
- Long-lived — Mature specimens old
- Slow growing — Dense wood formation
- Primary forest species — Mature forest indicator
Wildlife Value
Ecological interactions:
- Fruits — Eaten by birds, monkeys
- Seeds — Dispersed by animals
- Bark — Some traditional uses
- Moderate wildlife value
- Forest structure contributor
Botanical Description
Zapatero develops a straight, cylindrical trunk with a dense, rounded crown. The overall form is typical of primary forest canopy trees.
Wood Properties
Appearance
Physical Properties
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 650-800 kg/m³ | Heavy |
| Grain | Interlocked | Can be difficult |
| Texture | Fine to medium | Good finish |
| Durability | Very good | Rot resistant |
| Workability | Moderate | Hard but workable |
Zapatero wood is extremely durable and resistant to decay, making it ideal for applications requiring strength and longevity. The high density means it's heavy but very strong.
Uses
Heavy-duty applications:
- Heavy construction — Beams, posts, supports
- Flooring — Extremely durable
- Outdoor structures — Rot resistant
- Boat building — Traditional use
- Railroad ties — Historical use
Conservation Status
Conservation Status: Stable
Population generally healthy:
- IUCN: Least Concern
- Wide distribution in wet forests
- Still relatively common
- Some selective logging pressure
- Protected in reserves
Growing Zapatero
Methods:
- Seeds — Clean and plant fresh
- Germination may be slow
- Shade tolerant seedlings
- Can be grown in enrichment planting
- Slow initial growth
Similar Species
Where to See Zapatero
Best Locations in Costa Rica
Protected Areas:
- Braulio Carrillo National Park — Common
- La Selva Biological Station — Research site
- Tortuguero National Park — Wet forests
- Arenal Volcano region — Mid-elevation
Identification Tips:
- Cut bark to reveal red inner layer
- Simple, alternate, leathery leaves
- Dense, rounded crown
- Wet forest habitat
External Resources
References
📚 Scientific References & Further Reading
Holdridge, L.R. & Poveda, L.J. (1975). Árboles de Costa Rica. Centro Científico Tropical
Hieronyma oblonga represents the best of Costa Rica's native hardwoods — extremely durable, rot-resistant, and perfect for applications where strength matters. The distinctive red inner bark makes identification easy and connects to traditional uses that span centuries. While not as famous as some tropical timbers, Zapatero quietly supports structures that last generations.
🌳 ¡Pura Vida!
