Travel has always been considered an important aspect of the human experience, as it exposes us to different environments and cultures that differ from our own. These experiences inform us not only of how people live differently, but also how we can live differently in our home environments. Here’s a look at how you can appreciate the flora of Costa Rica on your holiday when visiting Ylang Ylang’s, Costa Rican vegan resort.
The Beautiful Flora of Costa Rica
There are countless elements of foreign countries that remind us of how they differ from our own, but one that sets the scene is the native plant life. Being surrounded by new flora gives the sense that one is on an adventure, and you don’t need to be a biologist to appreciate it. Of all the popular travel destinations where one can see an abundance of plant life, Costa Rica takes the cake for its variety of environments, along with its proximity to the US. Not only are there some beautiful national parks full of fascinating plants and trees, but this is all bordered by some of the most beautiful coasts that Continental America has to offer.
Fifty Shades of Forest
If you’ve done any research into the plant life in Costa Rica, then you’ll likely have come across the Cloud Forests that span swathes of the country. These are just one of several different types of forests that occur, each offering its own sets of flora and fauna to be appreciated.
Cloud Forests
As the name suggests, these forests are typically found along the slopes of volcanoes and mountains and are often shrouded in clouds. Not only does this make for an interesting atmosphere for visitors to experience, but they’re also home to unique animals and plants that can’t be seen anywhere else in the world.
Tropical Rainforests
Making up a large portion of Costa Rica’s greenery, tropical rainforests are a quintessential experience for plant and animal lovers alike. The tall canopy and high moisture content create a damp ambiance, which is cut through by the calls of monkeys and other animals who call it home.
Tropical Dry Forests
As the name suggests, these are tropical forests that receive little to no rain each year, resulting in sparse landscapes that contrast those previously mentioned. These are also home to unique flowers and trees, which can be spotted more easily due to the lower density of the wildlife.
Mangrove Forests
While not technically forests, the mangroves that grow along the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica are impressive. These environments are relatively extreme and don’t offer the same diversity as the others, although the mangrove trees in themselves are a sight to behold.
Riparian Forests
With so much rainfall, it’s unsurprising that there’s a huge amount of water running down the mountains and across the floors of Costa Rica. Forests that grow around these bodies of water are referred to as ‘riparian’ and are prone to an inundation of both flora and fauna.
The Purple Country Girl
If you’re a fan of flowers, then be sure to get out and see The Purple Country Girl during your visit to our Costa Rican vegan resort. The national flower, Guaria Morada, is a purple orchid with delicate rounded leaves that give the appearance of a purple country dress, hence the name. They grow along the Pacific Coast and in mountainous areas high up above sea level, although they are generally rare in the wild. For a guaranteed sighting, pop into the Lankester Botanical Gardens in Cartago between January and April.
Edible Costa Rica
One way of appreciating the flora of a tourist destination is by trying the local delicacies. These often come from hundreds if not thousands of years of tradition and can be a great way to celebrate culture alongside locals. While you won’t have any difficulty finding a Costa Rican vegan resort that offers local delicacies, some fruits and vegetables are best tried fresh from the market.
Fruit
Due to the tropical climate, Costa Rica has a variety of both endemic and introduced fruit trees feeding locals and tourists alike. During your stay in Costa Rica, be sure to try:
– Cacao fruit, from which both cocoa and chocolate are derived
– Guanabana, also known as soursop
– Caimito, also known as star apple due to the star-shaped innards
Vegetables
As with the fruit, several vegetables define Costa Rican cuisine. These may be better enjoyed at your chosen vegan resort rather than fresh from the market:
– Chayote, despite being a fruit, is used as a vegetable in many Costa Rican dishes
– Nampi, known as taro in English, this root is unique in both taste and texture
– Yuca, known to us as cassava, has a huge variety of uses in cuisine
Visit our Costa Rican Vegan Resort
Here at Ylang Ylang, we know how important plants are to our world; in fact, we are named after a tree that is native to South East Asia. We also know the role that plants play in our modern diet and are proud to be one of many Costa Rican vegan resort options across Costa Rica. To learn more about how we can make your next Costa Rican holiday special, check out our website or contact us today!
