According to the locals, it is said that once upon a time, a plant which had the ability to heal any the bite of any venemous snake was to be found in this area. Chaltecoco, a secondary wood, is a lesser known timber species. For now, it is used in home construction to support beams and corner posts. The wood is not harvested for export.
Individuals extract it for personal use.
This tree is an indicator of a disturbed forest or patch. Its leave are sun seekers, providing a large surface area to collect the sun's energy and turn it into sugars which allow the tree to grow quickly. The quick growing pattern also produces a soft wood. When a tree falls, or after a forest is cleared for cattle or agriculture, guarumo, which is a sun tolerant species, quickly establishes a canopy, this protecting the soil and allowing sun intolerant species to start growing. The wood is soft and the trunk is hollow because the tree is investing in fast vertical growth.