Alfaroa costaricensis | |
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Scientific classification
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Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Fagales |
Family: | Juglandaceae |
Genus: | Alfaroa |
Species: | A. costaricensis
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Binomial name | |
Alfaroa costaricensis |
Alfaroa costaricensis, also known as campano chile, chiciscua, gaulin, gavilán Colorado, [1] or gavilancillo, is nut bearing timber tree in the Juglandaceae family. It is native to the Neotropics, from Mexico, through Central America to Colombia.
Alfaroa costaricensis normally grows in cloudy areas on well-drained soils with slopes of 5% or more at elevations between 600 and 2200 m which receive 1500–2500 mm of precipitation and sustain temperatures of 15 to 20 °C. This tree does not grow well in the shade.
Alfaroa costaricensis is a slow growing tree with pink heartwood. It can reach 27 m in height and 60 cm diameter at breast height (d.b.h.). [2]
The seed is a nut, one-chambered at the apex and eight-chambered at the base, which measures 1.6 to 2.5 cm long and 1.4 to 1.6 cm in diameter, and is protected by a hard, thick, brown pericarp. Germination is hypogeal. The leaves are pinnately compound, and are distinguishable from other species by their heavy pubescence. The male inflorescences is a panicle, consisting of approximately ten catkins arranged alternately. The female flowers are sessile on a catkin. [3]
Alfaroa costaricensis wood is attractive but difficult to saw and finish. It is used for furniture, posts, building lumber, and the production of charcoal. [2]
Rodents consume many nuts.