OUR FIRST PALM TREE

Five years ago when we first started construction at Monte Azul, one of our first tree planted was a palm tree. It was placed in the parking area in front of the lecheria. Over the years the palm has continued to flourish. This year it has started to fruit. In early June the first large branch of seeds unfolded from the main trunk. Over a period or weeks the seed branch continued to grow and develop.

About a month later another seed branch unfolded with one more unfolding a month after that. Each branch continues to grow. The first seeds are turning red and have started to drop. The seeds quickly took root in the soil below the tree and have become seedlings. We have moved the first of these to the greenhouse and are now cultivating small palm trees.

The palm tree with the seed branches hanging on the trunk are quite beautiful especially at night when they are illuminated. It has been fun to see this process unfold. I have just discovered that the palm tree in front of Casita Amarilla is about to open its first seed branch. It appears that these palm trees are very happy with the weather conditions at Monte Azul.

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF GUARUMOS

What is a guarumo you might ask? It is a type of tree that is found in tropical zones. It is also known as the Trumpet Tree or scientifically Crecopia. There are 5 species of this tree in Costa Rica. They are all very similar with varying sized leaves, fruits and form of branching.

One of its fascinating traits is that it has a symbiotic relationship with a specific type of ant. These ants live in the hollow parts of the tree and voraciously defend the tree against predators. Walk up to a guarumo and knock on the tree trunk 3-4 times and an army of ants will appears within seconds. Don’t touch the tree because these ants can bite.

The ants also guard the tree against other invasive foliage, a common occurrence in a rain forest. The ants make sure that vines and other plants do not wrap around the tree. I tied a vine around the trunk and the ants immediately attacked it. Voracious biting and eating the piece of vine until it fell off.

The trees are helpful to the forest and other animals too. Guarumos are the first tress to appear in recovering or regenerating forest and can quickly reach their full height or 60-70 feet in just 5-7 years. They have a life span of only 20-30 years during which time they provide the first shade for the slower growing tropical hardwoods. During their short lifetime, they produce a fruit that is enjoyed by a wide variety of birds and mammals. Because of their open growth form, it is not unusual to see sloths, monkeys and birds in these trees.

The leaves of this tree can be quite impressive. Some leaves exceed 3 feet across. They have medicinal purposes and can be used as scouring pads because of their rough durable texture.

The trees on the edges of open areas also have the ability to lean out towards the sunlight. To help stabilize themselves, they send out roots at the base of the trunk to grab the soil and keep them from toppling. From experience, I can attest that this can be a bit dangerous along roads. A few weeks ago, when I was driving one of the “leaning guarumos” broke the passenger side mirror off our car as I was driving. I didn’t realize that the tree was leaning that far out and got a bit too close.

For more information on these trees, check out this website: http://cloudbridge.org/trees/cecropia_polyphlebia.html.