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Trees & Plants
12 different ecosystems
Costa Rica
The country’s geographic location means that there are predominantly wet seasons on the Atlantic coast and alternating wet and dry seasons on the Pacific side. This mix of weather systems throughout the country contributes to Costa Rica’s rich diversity of species and plants, as well as its different climates and ecosystems.
The aforementioned volcanic islands of prehistoric times are still present in present-day Costa Rica – they are the mountain ranges that stretch across the center of the country. Costa Rica is known for its tropical forests and dream beaches, but the country’s mountains are at least as great a wonder.
Cerro Chirripó, at 3,820 meters, is the highest mountain in the country.
By comparison, Germany’s highest mountain, the Zugspitze, is just 2962 meters.
The volcanic soils surrounding the mountains contribute in large part to the lush plant life found throughout Costa Rica. Combined with the tropical climate, this leads to a variety of different ecosystems – an incredible 12 in all!
For a country that makes up just 0.03 percent of the world’s total land mass, an incredible number. These range from tropical forests, cool mountain cloud forests to mangroves, wetlands, tropical lowland rainforests and coral reefs. Each ecosystem is unique and incredibly rich in individual animal and plant species.
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You love nature, like to take pictures and know a lot about the world of animals and plants around Costa Rica? Then you can help us to grow. Through our upload form you can send us your pictures and information. We are happy about the following uploads
– additions to existing entries (pictures, text)
– new species in existing categories (images, text)
– new species for new categories (images, text)
(the maximum size of the images is 4mb and 2048 x 2048 pixels)
We will publish it after a review in our library and make it available to every Costa Rica enthusiast.
As a sponsor you can participate anonymously or we will be happy to publish your name with the corresponding images and text.
Of course you can decide this yourself.
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Plant Diversity of
Costa Rica
Costa Rica has the greatest plant diversity in the world with trees, aquatic and terrestrial plants, flowers and plant species that amaze even experienced biologists.
TICORICO
Anacardium Excelsum
This tree species is found mainly on the banks of rivers and streams. It is a large tree that can reach a height of up to 40 meters and a diameter of up to 1.5 meters!
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Astronium Graveoleans
This is a hard, noblewood tree that is cut down for furniture making and other crafts, and has therefore unfortunately become rare.
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Brosimum Alicastrum
The breadnut tree is a fast-growing evergreen deciduous tree that reaches growth heights of up to 30 meters or more. Trunk diameter can exceed 1 meter.
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Byrsonima Crassifolia
This is a slow growing large shrub or tree that can grow up to 10 meters tall. Its fruits are eaten raw or cooked as a dessert.
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Calycophyllum Candidísimum
This tree, with a height of about 25 meters, is known for its flowering. Its wood (hardwood) is used for making bows and arrows.
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Cassia Grandis
This tree can grow up to 25 meters high with dark green foliage and very showy pink flowers in clusters.
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Catalpa Longísima
This tree grows about 25 meters high and has white or pink flowers. The wood is hard and resistant, brown in color with dark veins and is used for common work, poles, beams, carpentry, joinery and construction.
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Cedrela Odorata
The West Indian cedar is a plant species in the mahogany family and reaches a growth height of over 40 meters. The trunk diameter reaches up to 3 meters.
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