Central America, a land bridge connecting North and South America, is home to an incredible diversity of flora due to its varied climates, altitudes, and soils.
Among its treasures are some of the world’s rarest plants. The Holy Ghost Orchid, Peristeria elata, for instance, is Panama’s national flower and is notorious for its scarcity and the beautiful white bloom that is said to resemble a dove.
Another rarity is the Gunnera insignis, also known as the “Poor Man’s Parasol,” which can be found in the highland cloud forests of Costa Rica. Furthermore, the endangered cycad, Zamia pseudoparasitica, is unique to Panama and grows on the branches of large trees, a highly unusual habitat for cycads.
These are just a few examples of the botanical wonders that can be found in Central America, a region that continually captivates botanists and nature enthusiasts alike.