Experience the magnificence of Enterolobium cyclocarpum, widely known as Elephant Ear Tree, Guanacaste, or Monkeysoap. Native to the dry forests of Central America, this exceptional tree is revered for its impressive stature and multifunctional attributes. Celebrated as the national tree of Costa Rica, its name derives from the ear-shaped seed pods that adorn its branches. First introduced to Hawaiʻi by botanist Dr. Hillebrand, a legendary specimen thrives in Honolulu's Foster Botanical Garden, earning an 'exceptional tree' designation.
Elephant Eat Tree produces a large, hemispherical crown that provides ample shade, making it ideal for parks, roadsides, and large estates, particularly in drought-prone areas. Its light, feathery foliage allows sunlight to reach understory plants, promoting a vibrant ecosystem. This fast-growing, nitrogen-fixing tree enhances soil fertility, resprouts vigorously after pruning, and withstands frost damage.
Beyond its ecological benefits, the tree offers a bounty of uses, including high-quality timber, edible seed pods for livestock, and materials for soap and jewelry-making. Its adaptability across diverse tropical habitats underscores its unparalleled ecological and cultural significance. Embrace this cornerstone of tropical agriculture and landscape design, and let Elephant Ear Tree elevate your environment.