Enterolobium cyclocarpum

Native from Mexico through Central America into tropical South America, this plant is a large tree with a broad, spreading crown. It can reach about 130 feet tall. Its finely divided leaves have numerous small leaflets, and its small white flowers grow in rounded heads. The thick, curved seedpods resemble ears and contain a sweet pulp eaten by livestock.

The tree sheds its leaves during the dry season. Its wood is used in construction, paneling and boat building. Immature pods are cooked as a vegetable, and the seeds are toasted and ground for food. It is the national tree of Costa Rica. Photographed in the department of Atlantico, Colombia.