Lonchocarpus punctatus, commonly known as the Dotted Lonchocarpus, is a perennial tree native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, particularly in regions with high humidity and consistent rainfall. It is a member of the legume family, Fabaceae, and can grow to a height of 30-50 feet (9-15 meters) with a canopy spread of 20-30 feet (6-9 meters). The tree is characterized by its dense, rounded crown and smooth, gray bark. It produces clusters of small, purple flowers that are quite showy when in bloom, typically during the wet season. The flowers are followed by distinctive, woody seed pods.

The Dotted Lonchocarpus is valued for its ornamental flowers and as a shade tree in tropical landscapes. It is used in reforestation projects and as a living fence in agricultural settings due to its fast growth and dense foliage. In cultivation, it requires a consistently moist, well-drained soil and thrives in full sun to partial shade. While it is not commonly found in the average home garden, it can be a striking addition to botanical gardens and tropical arboreta. Potential problems include susceptibility to root rot in poorly drained soils and pests such as leaf-cutting ants in its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0