C. costaricensis is native to montane areas of Costa Rica and Panama, where it grows in humid cloud and oak forests at elevations of 1,150–2,000 m (3,770–6,560 ft) above sea level.

The twigs, petioles, rachises, and peduncles are densely covered in fine brown hairs.

The leaflets are oblong-lanceolate with a rounded base and somewhat pointed tip, each measuring 1.5–2.5 cm (0.59–0.98 in) long.

[3] C. costaricensis is listed as near threatened by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature under criteria B1b(iii).

It is reported to be very common in Costa Rica and occurs in many protected areas (including Alberto Manuel Brenes Biological Reserve, La Amistad International Park, Braulio Carrillo National Park, Grecia Forest Reserve, and Guanacaste National Park), however, almost all habitat suitable for this species located outside of protected areas has been deforested or heavily disturbed.