Nature Field Guide
Indio Desnudo
- Spanish name
- Indio desnudo
- Scientific name
- Bursera simaruba
What Do Pico & Tati Think?
Warm-colored bark is a useful starting point when identifying indio desnudo. Look at the trunk, leaves and fruits together, as its appearance changes with the seasons.
What does Least Concern mean?
In the linked conservation assessment, this species does not qualify as threatened or near threatened with extinction. It still needs care: local populations and habitats can face problems even when the species has a lower extinction risk overall.
This label describes conservation status. It does not tell us whether a plant is safe for children or pets. Select the status button to read the assessment.
Species overview
About the Indio Desnudo
Height: Large mature trees can reach approximately 20–30 meters (66–98 feet), according to Costa Rica Tree Atlas. Young trees and trees growing in different conditions may be shorter.
Indio desnudo has warm-colored bark that helps it stand out among neighboring trees. During the dry season it may shed its leaves, so the trunk can remain a useful identification clue. Its bark can continue photosynthesis even when the tree has lost its leaves.
This tree occurs in dry forest and also in wetter woodland. Animals use its fruits, and insects visit its flowers. Look for those connections without disturbing the tree or its visitors.
Identification
Key Features of the Indio Desnudo
Warm orange-toned bark is an important clue.
The tree may lose its leaves during the dry season.
Look for small fruits in clusters at the ends of branches when present.
Habitat & range
Dry forest and other wooded habitats. Use several clues together and ask a guide before naming an unfamiliar tree.
Local observations
SINAC includes indio desnudo in Las Baulas dry-forest and coastal-cliff vegetation. Individual accessible locations still need local confirmation.
When to observe
Leaf cover changes with the seasons, so bark can help you recognize a tree when leaves are sparse.
Seasonal Calendar
Flowering
Guanacaste dry forest
Apr, May
ACG dry-forest reference: flowers appear in late April and May. Leaf cover varies through the dry season.
Event source ↗Conservation & care
Child Safety: Not verified. Observe with an adult. Do not taste leaves, seeds, fruit or other tree parts.
Pet Safety: Not verified. Keep pets from chewing or swallowing tree parts. Check with a veterinarian before treating this species as pet-safe.
Keep bark intact. Observe without peeling, scratching or removing bark.
Conservation assessment
Global species assessment: Least Concern (IUCN Red List). Status checked on 7 October 2026. This category is not a guarantee that every local population or habitat is secure, and it is separate from legal protection in Costa Rica.
Observation activity
Bark detective: Sketch three colors or patterns you see on the trunk without peeling or scratching it. Compare the bark with another tree nearby.
Season explorer: Record whether the tree has leaves, flowers or fruits. Return another time, if possible, and compare your observations.
Experience notes: Which clue helped you most? Did you notice an animal visiting the tree?
Explore by location
Caribbean · Central Pacific · Guanacaste · Puntarenas & the Gulf Islands · South Pacific · Tamarindo