The flowers last 3-4 days in the tree and then fall. The strong, resistant wood is considered to be one of the most durable hardwoods in Panama. It is useful in carpentry and construction and for making keels for boats and tool handles. The Guayacan is a good shade tree and protects the soil with its strong roots. It is also a good windbreak.
Foresters classify their growth rate as medium to fast.
Most have disappeared, or are now no more that a mere stump under the water. A few years ago someone sampled the trees that are still standing under the lake. In fact, Guayacan timbers in the ruins of the Cathedral in Panama's Old City, still stand after more than 400 years. These are probably Schizolobium parahybum , known here as Tinecu, also with yellow flowers, but with a more open crown and lighter yellow in color. The flowers of this species are a more intense shade of yellow.