Cristóbal

Say hello to the Cristobal tree (Platymiscium curuense), endemic to Costa Rica, it can grow up to 40 meters tall, sporting a rugged brown bark with charming fissures. This tree doesn’t just look good—it smells like beans, a defining characteristic of the Fabaceae family. When it’s time to bloom (February to March), Cristobal dazzles with striking yellow flowers that are magnet for insects, turning the tree into a buzzing hotspot. Its fruits? They’re flattened, legume-like, and equipped with wing-like structures, perfect for taking flight on the wind and spreading the Cristobal love far and wide.

But don’t let its resilience fool you—Cristobal is having a tough time. Found mainly in humid, seasonal forests on Costa Rica’s central and southern Pacific slopes, this beauty has been heavily logged for its aromatic, versatile wood. From marimba instruments to fancy cabinets, Cristobal’s timber has been in high demand, leaving its population scarce and struggling.