Legumes, Milkworts, and Allies of Zihuatanejo

ORDER FABALES

-Legumes (Family Fabaceae)

-Acacias, Mimosas, Mesquites, and Allies (Subfamily Mimosoideae)

-Tribe Mimoseae

-Callingcard Vines (Genus Entada)

-Callingcard Vine (Entada polystachya)

The Elephant Ear Tree (Enterolobium cyclocarpum), also known as the Guanacaste tree, Ear Pod Tree, or Monkey-ear Tree, is a large, fast-growing tropical tree in the legume family (Fabaceae). It is well-known for its distinctive ear-shaped seed pods and is often used for shade, timber, and reforestation. Height: Reaches up to 30–40 meters (98–130 feet) in height. Canopy: Spreads wide with a rounded crown, providing dense shade. Fruit: Large, dark brown, and curved into ear-like shapes (hence the name).

Description

• Enterolobium cyclocarpum, commonly known as the elephant-ear tree, is a large, deciduous tree in the legume family (Fabaceae). It develops a massive, spreading crown with a broad, umbrella-shaped canopy and finely divided, fern-like leaves. Its small, greenish-white flowers grow in rounded clusters. The distinctive fruit is a thick, woody pod curled into a circular shape resembling an ear, which gives the tree its common name. The tree provides abundant shade, and its pods are eaten by livestock and wildlife.

Range

• Enterolobium cyclocarpum is native to tropical America, ranging from Mexico through Central America into northern South America. It is especially characteristic of seasonally dry tropical forests and is widely planted as a shade and ornamental tree. It is native to Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.

Habitat

• The elephant-ear tree grows in tropical dry forests, open woodland, savannas, pastures, and other warm, lowland habitats. It favours sunny locations and well-drained soils and tolerates pronounced seasonal drought once established. Its broad canopy makes it a prominent tree in agricultural landscapes, parks, roadsides, and other open areas throughout tropical Mexico.