Restricted Range
Its natural distribution is limited to the Osa Peninsula and part of western Panama.
BÖËNA ARTICLE
A Forest of Hope
Protecting the Sangrillo Colorado and the Endangered Trees of the Osa Peninsula
Across the world, thousands of tree species face the risk of extinction. On Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, Lapa Rios protects a remarkable concentration of one of the country’s rarest trees: the Sangrillo Colorado.
01 — A Global Conservation Challenge
When Tree Species Begin to Disappear
Of approximately 60,000 known tree species worldwide, around 8,000 are considered threatened with extinction.
Costa Rica is home to 2,677 confirmed tree species, and at least 242 are currently considered endangered, with additional species potentially being added as assessments continue.
60,000
Known tree species worldwide
8,000
Species threatened globally
2,677
Confirmed tree species in Costa Rica
242+
Endangered tree species nationally
Conservation organizations and private reserves are helping reverse the effects of deforestation. On the Osa Peninsula, Lapa Rios, Osa Conservation and the Global Tree Campaign are part of that wider effort.
02 — The Flagship Tree
Meet the Sangrillo Colorado
Paramachaerium gruberi, known as the Sangrillo Colorado, is one of Costa Rica’s rarest and most distinctive tree species.
Named for the reddish color of its wood, it is found only on the Osa Peninsula and in Panama’s Barú region. Its limited distribution and vulnerability to illegal logging have made it an important focus of Osa Conservation’s Botanical Conservation Program.
Ancient Specimens
Some trees in the Lapa Rios reserve are estimated to be 500 to 600 years old.
Wildlife Food Source
The tree supports birds and mammals, including macaws, parrots and monkeys.
Conservation Priority
Its rarity and exposure to illegal logging make long-term protection essential.
A Natural Stronghold at Lapa Rios
The lodge’s 1,000-acre private reserve protects a significant concentration of Sangrillo Colorado trees, making the property an important refuge for the species.
03 — A Living Forest Network
Why One Tree Species Matters to Many Others
The Sangrillo Colorado is more than a rare botanical specimen. Mature trees contribute structure, shelter and food to the rainforest ecosystem.
By protecting the species and the forest around it, conservation efforts also support the birds, mammals, insects and plants that depend on a healthy habitat.
Flagship Species for the Reserve
Its age, rarity, resilience and ecological importance have earned the Sangrillo Colorado recognition as Lapa Rios’s flagship tree species.
04 — Plant a Tree
Guests Become Part of the Regeneration Process
Through the Lapa Rios Plant a Tree Program, visitors can help support the future of the Osa Peninsula’s endangered tree species.
The experience introduces participants to rainforest regeneration and allows them to contribute directly to an emerging forest area.
Visit the Nursery
Guests begin at the Lapa Rios tree nursery with members of the conservation team.
Learn About Regeneration
Staff biologists explain how native species support rainforest recovery.
Choose a Seedling
Participants select a native tree, potentially including Sangrillo Colorado.
Plant for the Future
The seedling is planted in a regenerating section of the reserve.
A Record of the Contribution
Participants receive a digital diploma documenting the date and location of their tree planting. Gift diplomas are also available for trees planted in honor of another person.
05 — Conservation That Takes Root
Protecting the Next Generation of Forest
The protection of endangered trees depends on preserving mature forests while also ensuring that new generations of native species have space to grow.
At Lapa Rios, conservation becomes both a long-term responsibility and an experience guests can take part in personally.
Planting Hope in the Osa Peninsula
Every seedling planted strengthens a forest that shelters extraordinary biodiversity and protects species found in very few other places on Earth.
The Sangrillo Colorado stands as a reminder that even the rarest trees can have a future when protected land, scientific knowledge and individual action come together.