Enterolobium cyclocarpum aka Earpodtree

Enterolobium cyclocarpum is a large tree in Fabaceae, the pea family. People call it ear tree, guanacaste, and devil's ear. It is native from Mexico through Central America into northern South America. It grows in dry lowland forests and savannahs, and along streams. People plant it outside this range, too. These sites include Florida and Hawaii.

The tree grows fast, sheds its leaves, and forms a broad crown. Sources give garden heights of about 75–82 feet [23–25 metres]. Large forest trees can reach 131 feet [40 metres]. The trunk is often short. Older trees have small buttresses at the base. Large roots at the surface can extend 7–10 feet [2–3 metres]. The pale gray bark has reddish-brown lenticels. It also has streaks that run up and down. The light green leaves grow in turn along the stem. They are bipinnate, with two levels of branching. Each leaf has many small leaflets with an oblong shape.

The small flowers are greenish-white and form round groups in spring. Dark brown pods curl into a shape like an ear. They measure about 3–4½ inches long. They stay closed when ripe. Each pod holds eight to sixteen oval seeds. The flat pod walls show the outlines of the seeds. As the pods fully ripen, the seeds come loose from those walls.

Grow this tree in full sun and rich soil that drains well. Young seedlings grow best with a little less sun. It can grow in sand, clay, and alkaline soil. Warm, moist climates with a clear dry season suit it. It prefers daytime warmth of 73–82°F [23–28°C]. Reports give a wider range it can bear: 64–97°F [18–36°C]. Salt does not suit it, so inland sites are best. Its broad crown shades parks, pastures, and farms that grow coffee. It can outgrow home gardens. Strong winds can break limbs. Roots can harm paving and the bases of buildings.

People cook young pods and seeds as vegetables. They also roast whole seeds or grind them into flour. People eat pod pulp when food is scarce. Bark and fruit yield soap and tannins. The trunk yields gum. Woodworkers make furniture parts, panels, and veneer from the wood. The heartwood resists fungi and dry-wood termites. In folk remedies, people use bark syrup for colds. They use gum for chest complaints. Sawdust can irritate airways and cause allergic reactions. Reports also note its use as fish poison. They warn of possible harm to mammals.