Toborochi Tree in Bloom, Bolivia 2025

In Bolivia, something is always in bloom, even during the winter. The country is home to an abundance of toborochi trees, whose vibrant pink or white flowers beautifully illuminate the streets. Known as one of the most fascinating and unique trees in the world, the toborochi has become a symbol of Santa Cruz, earning it the nickname "the city of the toborochi."

Toborochis Season

The toborochi tree’s flowers typically bloom between February and May in its native Southern Hemisphere but may appear at other times of the year as well. During the South American winter, from June to September, the tree sheds its leaves. Interestingly, the yellow species blooms twice a year, while the pink variety can flower up to four times annually.

Blooming Trees

The toborochi tree blooms after shedding all its leaves, showcasing its stunning star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, yellow, and lilac. During fall, the tree is adorned with vibrant pink or deep red flowers, creating a breathtaking visual display. Its large, bell-shaped flowers are aromatic, adding another layer of charm to its appearance. Of the 48 recorded species of toborochi, eight are found in Bolivia, including boliviana, samauma, publiflora, pentandra, speciosa, chodatii, insignis, and glaziovii.

Santa Cruz de la Sierra

Bolivia's toborochi tree thrives primarily in tropical and subtropical regions, with Santa Cruz being a key hub for its presence. The pink toborochi (Ceiba speciosa) is the most common species in the city. Its deep pink flowers easily recognize it with wavy, wrinkled petals. These trees are a familiar sight in Santa Cruz, gracing many of its squares and parks, such as Plaza 24 de Septiembre, Plaza del Estudiante, and Parque Urbano Central.

The toborochi holds a special place in Santa Cruz's identity, serving as both a cultural symbol and a source of inspiration. Its flowers, representing beauty and joy, are deeply tied to local traditions. Additionally, the tree's wood is used to create crafts and souvenirs, further embedding it into the fabric of the city's cultural heritage.

Other Locations

In addition to the Santa Cruz Department, the toborochi tree thrives in several other regions of Bolivia. The Chiquitania Region, located in the eastern part of Santa Cruz, is home to the trees in its tropical dry forests. The Yungas Region, a transition zone between the Andes and Amazon, also hosts toborochis, particularly in La Paz and Cochabamba departments. In the northern Pando Department, with its tropical climate, the tree flourishes, as well as in the lowland forests of the Beni Department in the northeastern part of the country.

Ecological Importance

The toborochi, meaning "sheltering tree" in Guarani, is a tall (15–20 m) tree native to South America's tropical forests, including Bolivia, Argentina, and Brazil. Known for its thorny trunk and swollen, bottle-shaped base, it is also called the "pregnant tree," "árbol botella" (bottle tree), or "palo borracho" (drunken tree). The tree's tender wood is a food source for predators, but its spines provide protection. With a lifespan of about 100 years, the toborochi plays a vital ecological role, offering food and shelter to wildlife such as parrots, insects, sloths, and monkeys while providing shade with its broad crown.

Bolivian Tree Legend

The name "toborochi," meaning "pregnant tree," refers to the tree's trunk, which resembles an amphora—according to a local Bolivian Guaraní legend, evil spirits once haunted and killed Bolivians until the daughter of a tribal chief married the god Colibri, and their son defeated the spirits. However, the spirits sought revenge by murdering a pregnant woman. As she tried to escape, the spirits chased her until she hid in the toborochi tree, where she gave birth but died. Once a year, the mother reveals herself through vibrant pink flower clusters that bloom on the toborochi, and hummingbirds can often be seen hovering around the blossoms, symbolizing her ongoing connection to her husband, Colibri.