Costa Rica Plants

Costa Rica’s terrain is dominated by forest, and 99% of the country was once covered by trees. Though deforestation has reduced forest coverage in Costa Rica to around one-quarter of the land, over 10,000 plant species still remain, including over 1000 kinds of orchids and approximately a hundred tree species. The country’s topology has crammed a wide variety of distinct ecosystems into concentrated space, offering vastly different experiences to anyone willing to travel the short distance (sometimes just a few meters) between one ecosystem and another. The floral diversity of Costa Rica’s rainforests, located primarily on the Caribbean and Southern Pacific coasts, is truly astounding: more species of flora exist in the rainforests of these small regions alone than on the entire European continent. Within five acres of rainforest, it is possible to see as many as 100 species of trees, including such rare finds as the candela (candle), a unique flowering plant that is pollinated by bats instead of insects. While many rainforested regions of Costa Rica have found protection in national parks and reserves, the country’s dry forests have recently fallen victim to severe deforestation. These endangered forests, located primarily on the Northern Pacific coast, bloom with some of the most colorful floral displays in the world between November and May.

The Poetics Of Etymology. For many visitors, one of the least-expected pleasures of exploring various Costa Rican ecosystems is discovering the wealth of playful monikers that their plants have earned. The nicknames range from (sac)religious—the “blood of Christ” fern with crimson splotches on its leaves—to more overtly risqué—the pouty red blossoms of the labios de puta (hooker’s lips)—or simply charmingly appropriate—the broad leaves of the sombrilla de pobre (poor man’s umbrella) offer instant coverage to hikers caught in sudden thunderstorms.

Foreign Relations I: Plants As Dependents. Many of Costa Rica’s plants have adapted to their environments in innovative ways. Some of the most resourceful are the epiphytes, or organisms that grow on other plants. They obtain nutrients and moisture solely from the air and rain. Other plants have developed complex relationships with the creatures that share their ecosystems. Some orchids feature patterns invisible to the human eye that are readily discernible to insects, whose eyesight can access a broader portion of the ultraviolet spectrum. These patterns—often entailing intricate networks of lines and marks—create maps for foraging insects, showing them where to find nectar or nutrients. Many bromeliads, or flowering plants, are better known as “tank epiphytes” because their leaves hold large deposits of rainwater so that aquatic insects can reside in simulated homes far above the jungle floor.

Foreign Relations Ii: Plants And People. Despite their astounding variety, many of Costa Rica’s most spectacular plants are dwinding in number.Some are on the verge of extinction. In order to avoid aggravating the problem, visitors are advised to avoid taking plants as souvenirs and also to stay on marked trails in national parks. Ask rangers how to enjoy the vegetation in a respectful manner. Though the relationship is hardly symmetrical, vegetation can pose certain dangers to human visitors as well. While a few plants are predatory (think “insect-eating”), many more are simply poisonous. Avoid eating anything before you are certain that it’s safe. When in doubt, don’t experiment. It is also wise to exercise some caution about touching plants, as many can irritate or even harm the skin.