El Salvador
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Maquilishuat Tree (Tabebuia Rosea)

The Bálsamo and Maquilishuat Tree (Tabebuia Rosea) were recognised as the National Tree through the Legislative Decree N°. 44 of the 1st of September of 1939, being the second the one more fondly taken by the country.

The Maquilishuat Tree can grow up to 15 Mts. It's grand and majestic pink flowers, offer different shades of colours. When this tree reaches blooms is regarded as one of the most beautiful in the region.

It's wood is valuable and highly appreciated in the manufacture of furniture. This tree is also known to possess beneficial medicinal properties, though this have been less exploited.

It's originally of the mesoamerican region, and belongs to the Yucca Tree Family, also known as Joshua Tree.

It's white flowers are edible and they are consider a delicacy. It is also used to create textiles and fine ornamental pieces.

The Torogoz, or Turquoise-browed Motmot was declared the National Bird of El Salvador through the Legislative Decree N°. 44, dating from: October 21^st, 1999.

It received this honour thanks to it's singular beauty and colourful feathers.

The bird is approximately 34 cm long and weighs about 65 grams. It has a mostly green body with a rufous back and belly.

There is a bright blue stripe above the eye and a blue-bordered black patch on the throat.

It is regarded as a symbol of family unity for it's close participation as a couple when nesting.

An endangered species, it has been unsuccessfully adapted into sanctuaruaries.

It can be find, though, in the mountain regions of Morazán, to the North in La Unión and in Chalatenango.