Earpodtree (Enterolobium cyclocarpum, Fl. Brit. W. I.: 226 (1860))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: (Jacq.) Griseb.

Bibliography: Fl. Brit. W. I.: 226 (1860)

Year: 1860

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Enterolobium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico to S. Trop. America

Description

Earpodtree (Enterolobium cyclocarpum)

The Earpodtree, scientifically known as Enterolobium cyclocarpum, is a notable member of the Fabaceae family. This majestic tree, widely recognized for its uniquely shaped seed pods, can trace its origins from Mexico extending to Southern Tropical America.

Description

The Earpodtree is a large, deciduous tree that can attain heights of up to 35 meters. Its broad canopy provides ample shade, making it a popular choice for planting in open landscapes and parks. One of the most distinguishing features of the Earpodtree is its seed pods, which are curved and resemble the shape of an ear, giving rise to its common name. These pods, when mature, turn a dark brown and contain numerous seeds.

Habitat and Distribution

This tree thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. It is commonly found flourishing in the areas from Mexico down to the southern tropical regions of South America. The Earpodtree has adapted well to a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils to achieve optimal growth.

Ecological and Economic Importance

Ecologically, the Earpodtree plays a crucial role in its native habitats. It provides habitat and food for a myriad of wildlife species. The broad canopy offers shelter for birds and small mammals, while its seed pods serve as a food source.

Economically, the Earpodtree is valued for its timber, which is used in carpentry and for making furniture. The wood is relatively durable and has a fine grain, making it suitable for a variety of woodworking projects. Additionally, the tree is often planted for shade in agricultural fields, assisting in the growth of cacao, coffee, and other understory crops.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures throughout its range, the Earpodtree holds significance. In traditional medicine, various parts of the tree are utilized for their therapeutic properties. The seeds and seed pods are also used in local crafts and ornamentation, showcasing the tree’s multifaceted utility.

Conservation Status

While the Earpodtree is not currently listed as endangered, it faces potential threats from deforestation and land conversion for agriculture. Conservation efforts are important to ensure that this valuable species continues to thrive in its natural habitat.

The scientific documentation of the Earpodtree, initially published in “Flora of the British West Indies” (1860) by (Jacq.) Griseb., remains an essential reference for botanists and researchers studying this remarkable species. As awareness of its ecological and economic importance grows, so too does the effort to preserve and protect this vital tree for future generations.

Common Names

Deu: affenseife
Spa: carito colorado, carita, corotú, guanacaste, parota, árbol de las orejas
Eng: ear tree, devil’s-ear, earpodtree, elephant’s-ear, monkeysoap
Fra: bois tanniste rouge, oreille d’éléphant
Por: guanacaste
En: Earpodtree, Monkeysoap, Devil’s-ear, Elephant’s-ear, Elephant Ear, Guanacaste, Monkey ear tree, Ear tree, Bois Tanniste Rouge, Carita, Monkey Soap, Earpod tree, Elephant’s ear, Parota
Zh: 象耳豆
Fi: Meksikonkorvapalko
Fr: Bois tanniste rouge, Oreille d’éléphant, Guanacaste, Oreille cafre
De: Affenseife
He: אנטרולוביום עגול-פרי
Lt: Tikroji rintausė
Mr: कर्णफळ
Pt: Guanacaste
Es: Corotú, Carita, Guanacaste, Árbol de las orejas, Parota, Guanacaste o chorejas., Carito colorado
Ta: யானைக் காது மரம்

Synonyms

• Pithecellobium cyclocarpum ((Jacq.) Mart.)
• Feuilleea cyclocarpa ((Jacq.) Kuntze)
• Inga cyclocarpa ((Jacq.) Willd.)
• Mimosa parota (Sessé & Moc.)
• Mimosa cyclocarpa (Jacq.)
• Albizia longipes (Britton & Killip)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Bismarck Archipelago (introduced)
• Central African Repu (introduced)
• Chagos Archipelago (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• Ghana (introduced)
• Haiti (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Jamaica (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Malaya (introduced)
• Myanmar (introduced)
• New Guinea (introduced)
• Philippines (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Sierra Leone (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Venezuelan Antilles (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Bark

Taken Aug 23, 2019 by Venegas-Elizondo Carlos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2022 by Juan Carlos Ordonez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2022 by Giuliana Scaramuzza (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 25, 2022 by Gutiérrez Ricardo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 25, 2022 by Gutiérrez Ricardo (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 17, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 25, 2021 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2022 by Evan Clifthorne (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2022 by philippe soulatre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2001 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 21, 2022 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 21, 2022 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 2, 2022 by philippe soulatre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 25, 2022 by Gutiérrez Ricardo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 25, 2022 by Gutiérrez Ricardo (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 21, 2020 by Jason Caussil (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2022 by Gabriela Castillo Córdoba (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2022 by Evan Clifthorne (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2022 by gloriad (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2019 by Moraga Juan Carlos (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 18, 2019 by Universidad Nacional Sendero Los Matapalos (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2021 by Vivien Lopez Kivett (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2021 by Vivien Lopez Kivett (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2022 by Evan Clifthorne (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2019 by Sebastian Montoya Diaz (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 17, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 21, 2022 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2961150)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1037928-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Enterolobium cyclocarpum (Jacq.) Griseb.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Tree

Growth