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The Huanacaxtle A Tree Like no Other

by Biol. Oscar S. Aranda Mena |

An Emblematic Tree
Also know as parota, guanacaste and elephant ear, this tree is native to Mexico and Central America. Its name comes from the Náhuatl language as Cuanacaztli. It is one of the largest, shadiest and longest lasting trees, able to reach heights of up to 40 meters with a trunk measuring more than 3.5 meters in diameter. Its impressive majesty won it the privilege of being Costa Rica's national tree, as well as the source of the name for the township of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle in the northern part of Banderas Bay.

A "Jack Of All Trades"
Many people are familiar with the beauty of its wood, its color, texture and resistance to humidity. It has been compared to walnut. Only the most expert carpenters can work with it because its sawdust is very irritating to the respiratory system and is an allergen. The truth is that the demand for its wood has been the reason for the disappearance of one of the largest trees in the region. Only a few of these gigantic trees are still scattered throughout the city and in rural regions, worthy of being watched and preserved. Fortunately, this tree is much valued by farmers, who grow it to provide shade and protection for their livestock and pasture fields. Due to its rapid growth, it is also used as "living fences" and wind barriers.

Parota Seed Pods Vs. Beans
Very few dare to eat its seeds, let alone its leaves. But in the southern region of Mexico, they do. By cooking the immature pods as vegetables, they take advantage of their excellent nutritional and medicinal properties. It has also been discovered that their pods contain up to 41% protein, comparable to the nutritional values of beans, wheat flour and fish, in addition to containing iron, calcium and phosphorus, among other minerals. In some regions, the pods are toasted (like peanuts) and also ground to produce a coffee substitute.

An Entire Pharmacy Within A Tree
The medicinal values of plants are used in traditional medicine; the parota is no exception. The glue that exudes from the bark is used in several regions of the country to fight the flu and bronchitis, while its green fruit has astringent properties and is used to treat diarrhea. And if this weren't enough, the fruit and bark produce tannins, highly prized in the curing of leather and the manufacture of soap. In addition, the gum from the bark can be used as a natural adhesive and a great substitute for glue.

A Forgotten Potential

Its list of admirable properties is long, but we must not forget that this is also a great option as an ornamental tree and should be used to reforest parks and large gardens, which is really needed in the city. This tree is tolerant to climate changes and droughts, in addition to being resistant to plagues and poor soil, making it an excellent option.

Due to their strong roots, these trees can damage sidewalks, so one must carefully consider where it should be planted. Nonetheless, who has not enjoyed its peaceful, relaxing shade? Since this tree is native to Mexico, the government should consider it for their reforestation programs, but each of us should also plant a parota. It takes just a couple of years for it to provide shade and housing (food) to an infinite number of small animals, from insects to birds.

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