The almendro amarillo (dipteryx panamensis) is a tree that attracts lapa verdes. It also is a great lumber tree because it is very resistant to termites and is very strong and durable.
Permission is no longer being given in Costa Rica to cut one of these trees - and they do well on plantations.
The lapa verde uses the almendro for nesting as well as for food.
Another good tree for the lapa verde is the ojoche(Brosimun alicastrum) which is a very good food tree - as well as in great demand for furniture making as well as doors and wood carvings.
We do not have any almendros yet on our property - but we will be planting some this year. However, we do have several mature ojoches and I did see a lapa verde one day while walking the plantation.
Well folks, there are things you learn from books, and there are things you learn from listening. Yesterday on the finca we were on horses and a pair of Lapa Verdes flew over us and landed in the top of a laurel! Then Hector pointed out their nest. This is great news! And yes, I had my camera with me. I will put up the pictures hopefully later today.
We have almost no almendro on the property - but it seems they are partial to laurel too. Also, when we left the area, they sqawked at us - and I think I heard another pair in another area on the finca.
