Plant Story

This tree is a pioneer species, which means it is one of the first trees to arrive in altered areas, and is commonly found in disturbed areas and secondary forests. Its leaves are an excellent food source for various animals. Sloths can often be seen hanging from the branches of this tree, which also has a special relationship with ants of the genus Azteca. This species is one of the largest that can be found at the Osa Conservation Biological Station in Costa Rica, and can be distinguished from other species by its smooth leaves. It has been recorded from Nicaragua to Ecuador, in Costa Rica it grows in humid, low-elevation forests.