Do you have to rake leaves around your house where you live? Maybe not this time of year but if during Autumn you have to rake your lawn, this leaf may have you, like it did a recent guest of ours, thankful the leaves falling on your lawn are a wee bit smaller.
The national tree aptly named The Panama Tree, is an enormous, magnificent beauty of the wet lowland tropical forest of the Pacific side of Panama. She can grow up to well over 150ft (45m) and has a large canopy with these huge leaves, beautiful yellow and white flowers, and large seeds with a fuzzy center on the inside of the seed pod. Much like all the fuzzy soft caterpillars here, you don't want to touch that fuzzy inside of the seed pod (like I recently did).
Those fuzzy hairs immediately stick into the skin causing a bit of discomfort but not a big deal - grab some medical tape to easily remove them. We have one enormous Panama tree on our property where you will easily spot toucans, monkeys, parrots, squirrels, and other animals eating the seeds, and the leaves.
The seeds also produce oils that are used medicinally and in cosmetics. One day, I'd really like to start to learn how to toast all the seeds that grow around here! We have just on our property almonds, cashews, cacao, bread nut, and probably more that I don't even know about yet. I'll go take a look and let you know next week.
Another great use for this tree is a toy for your cat or ours for that matter. If you haven't yet met Tila, you will love her as we all do and she wants you to know she loves you too! She is currently in recovery from being paralyzed by a tail pulling incident but is definitely improving every day. So, send your loving vibes for her, we will update you next week when she gets back from the vet.
Sending you love from Panama and hope that you have a great Summer ahead while dreaming of the perfect winter getaway next year to stay with us!
We are now in planting season and have lots of Panama seedlings for you to come plant with us for your family or a memory of a loved one. Whatever your reason it's the perfect one.
Your Friends in Morrillo,
Cari and Ryan Mackey
Owners and Hosts
Morrillo Beach Eco Resort
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