Top 20 Most Common Trees in Panama

Img leaf left

Img leaf right

Top 20 Most Common Trees in Panama

Panama, Panama boasts unique climatic and soil dynamics that foster the growth of native trees. Among them are the Papaya, Corn plant, and Mango tree, which symbolize the state's ecological resilience and cultural heritage. These trees play a vital role in preserving the local ecosystem and are cherished for their symbolic and medicinal properties. Their presence underscores the importance of conservation efforts in Panama, Panama.

Most Common Trees

Papaya

Papaya is a fruit-bearing plant that originates from Central America. The fruits are edible and sweet and juicy when ripe. An enzyme collected from the milky sap is used as a meat softener, which if ingested may be toxic. Keeping a papaya plant in your garden will welcome many birds to your landscape.

Corn plant

Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) is an evergreen, slow-growing perennial shrub native to tropical Africa. Also, it is a classic houseplant, grown in Europe since the 1800s. Its glossy green foliage that resembles corn leaves grow on top of a thick cane, which is why the plant is sometimes called “false palm tree.”

Avocado

Persea americana, widely known as the avocado plant, is an evergreen tree (semi-deciduous in cooler climates) that is native to Central America. It is cultivated all over the world for its nutritious fruits. Avocado has become an important plant in many cuisines due to its high nutrient and fat content, creamy texture, and distinct taste.

Your Essential Companion for Global Plant Exploration

From American natives to Philippine tropics, discover plants worldwide with our app.

Download the App for Free

Mango tree

Mango tree is a large tree native to the Indian subcontinent. It is most well-known for the tropical fruit it produces, and mango is the national fruit of India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. Mango tree can also be used for wood after the tree’s fruit production is over. This type of wood is highly prized for making musical instruments.

Peacock flower

5. Peacock flower

The peacock flower, Barbados' national flower, is a striking ornamental plant commonly grown in public and private gardens. Although the seeds of this flower are toxic if consumed, the fruits are edible. Some parts of this plant are used as medicine by Indonesians and West Indians. This plant is toxic to dogs and cats but provides food for butterflies and bees.

Gumbo limbo

Commonly known as the gumbo limbo, the Bursera simaruba tree grows to about 30 m tall with a shiny dark red bark with spirally arranged leaves and pinnate with 7-11 leaflets. It produces a small, three-valved capsule with a single seed as the fruit which birds seek out to feed on. The gumbo limbo is believed to be one of the most wind-tolerant trees and is planted to provide wind protection for crops and roads.

Pink trumpet tree

7. Pink trumpet tree

The pink trumpet tree is a striking pink flowering tree. It drops its foliage immediately before bursting into bloom, leaving the gorgeous blossoms as the focal point. This tree is easily pruned to keep its moderate size, and its root system is not aggressive, making it a great tree to plant near patios or driveways to provide shade and beauty.

Soursop

Soursop (*Annona muricata*) is a tropical, evergreen tree that can grow up to 9 m tall. It produces the guanabana fruit, which ripens from mid-summer to mid-winter. The fruit is a spiky green pod with an aroma that smells like pineapple and tastes like a combination of strawberries and apples. The sweet yet sour fruit has a texture similar to that of a banana. The fruit can be eaten ripe or used to make juices and smoothies.

Royal poinciana

9. Royal poinciana

Royal poinciana (Delonix regia) is also known as the “peacock tree” or the “flamboyant tree.” It’s a Madagascar native and is known for its brilliant crimson or red-yellow flowers. It grows exceedingly fast, reaching its maximum height of around 12 m in a short amount of time.

Oleander

Nerium oleander, colloquially known as oleander, is a shrub or a small tree, known for its majestic pink five-lobed flowers and deep green lanceolate leaves. Oleander is one of the most poisonous popular decorative garden plants, so it is advised to keep small children and pets away from it.

Maricao cimun

11. Maricao cimun

Maricao cimun is a valuable tree found in the regions of South America. The fruits are popularly marketed and consumed by the natives. The fruits are also used in carbonated beverages and have a high tannin content utilized for dyeing cotton cloth. Its branches are cast-off into streams to stupefy fish.

Guanacaste

The guanacaste is native to the tropical regions of the Americas. It is commonly grown as a shade tree for coffee plantations. Small, green ear-shaped pods appear high in the crown long after the decline of the blossom.

Cannonball tree

13. Cannonball tree

Cannonball tree (Couroupita guianensis) is a tropical tree known for its large, unique, fragrant blossoms and cannonball-shaped fruit. As the fruits ripen, they may fall onto unsuspecting people below.

Heaven lotus

14. Heaven lotus

Gustavia superba is an understory tree that grows in Central and north-western South America. Common names include membrillo, sachamango and heaven lotus. The trunk is around 5 to 10 m high with the leaves radiating from the top (like palms).

Poinsettia

The poinsettia is a common sight in the United States during Christmastime. It was popularized by Albert Ecke after he emigrated to California from Germany. Today, 70 million poinsettias are sold in a 6-week period.

Autograph tree

16. Autograph tree

Autograph tree (Clusia rosea) is indigenous to tropical regions of America. It has a nasty tendency to grow on top of and strangle other plants. Unlike most other plants, it can absorb carbon dioxide during nighttime hours, as pineapples and jade plants do. It’s called the autograph tree because its leaves are so hard, you can carve into them.

Rubber tree

17. Rubber tree

Rubber tree (Ficus elastica) is a large tree with wide, oval, glossy leaves. Its milky white latex was used for making rubber before Pará rubber tree came into use, hence the name. Rubber tree is an ornamental species, often grown as a houseplant in cooler climates.

Buttercup tree

18. Buttercup tree

Buttercup tree is a tropical tree native to South and Central America. It is cultivated for its many uses. The fiber that can be found in its seeds is used as stuffing materials for pillows. Some parts of the tree like its bark and seeds are harvested to produce drinks, gum, oil, and wood.

Guava

Guava (*Psidium guajava*) is a fruit-producing evergreen shrub that grows natively in the Caribbean region and South America. Guava attracts the honey bee and other insects, and guava fruit is edible. Additionally, guava wood is used for smoking meat.

Tropical almond

20. Tropical almond

Tropical almond is grown commonly as an ornamental tree. It is prized for its ability to provide shade with its large leaves. These leaves are commonly used in aquariums by fish breeders for their ability to lower the pH and heavy metal content of the water. Although the fruit of the tropical almond is edible, the taste is slightly acidic.

Discover 4 Exciting Reasons to Choose PictureThis

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Identify toxic plants around you

Easily find your perfect green friends

Get full care tips and tricks for your plants

Download the App for Free

North America > Panama > Panama

A Botanist in Your Pocket

Scan QR code to download

More Plants in Panama

Mask group

Most Common Flowers

Panama, Panama, with its unique climatic and soil dynamics, boasts a rich diversity of native flowers. Three standout blossoms include , , and . These flowers contribute to the state's aesthetic allure, cultural resonance, and ecological significance. Sources confirm the accuracy of this summary.

Mask group

Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Panama, Panama brings forth an icy embrace that defies expectations by nurturing exquisite flowers. Amidst the tranquil cold, , , and bravely blossom, showcasing their tenacity, allure, and emblematic significance. These Winter-blooming flowers, indigenous to the state, provide a mesmerizing sight, defying the frigid climate and adding a touch of beauty to the winter landscape.

Mask group

Most Common Plants

In Panama, you can find Madagascar periwinkle, Heart of jesus, Snake plant, Flame of the woods, Garden croton, and more! There are 50 types of plants in total. Be sure to look out for these common plants when you’re walking on the streets, in parks, or public gardens.

Copyright © Glority LLC Limited. All Rights Reserved.