Seeds of Ficus insipida Willd., Ochroma pyramidale (Cav. ex Lam.) Urb., Luehea seemanii Triana & Planch, Castilla elastica (Liebm.) C.C. Berg, and Tabebuia rosea DC were collected in secondary forests near Gamboa, Panama, and in Parque Natural Metropolitano, a 120‐year‐old secondary forest on the Pacific side of Panama. Henceforth, species will be referred to by their genus name only. Seeds were surface sterilized by soaking in 0.6% sodium hypochlorite (Clorox Company, Oakland, CA) for 10 min and rinsing twice for 10 min in DI water. Seeds of Ochroma were placed in 80°C water for 3 min prior to sterilization to release dormancy.