Luehea seemannii

Native from southern Mexico to Venezuela, this tropical tree grows about 33 to 100 feet tall and develops a broad crown and often an irregular, buttressed trunk. It is prominent in secondary forests and forest edges in Panama. Small whitish-yellow flowers have narrow petals and numerous conspicuous stamens; the petals often fall early, leaving a rounded tuft of stamens. Fine brown hairs cover the leaf undersides, a useful identifying feature. Bees, other insects and nectar-feeding birds visit the flowers. Woody capsules release small, winged seeds that are carried by wind. Its wood is used for boxes, particleboard and paper pulp, and strong bark fibers serve as cordage. Photographed in Colombia.