By Donna Porter

A million or so years ago, when the earth was younger and the seas covered the land and freshwater seas were abundant, billions of algae -like organisms developed.   All of the waters of the earth where inhabited by microscopic one-celled, algae-type plants called diatoms (Melosira spp.).  These diatoms absorbed the minerals (mainly silica) from the water, creating protective shells or exoskeletons for themselves. They lived in quantities beyond the mind’s ability to conceive and provided nutrition and sustenance for other forms of sea life. As they died, their exoskeletons sunk to the bottom of the sea beds where vast deposits- thousands of feet thick – were laid down. When the waters receded, these huge deposits were eventually covered with land and the shells fossilized and compressed into a soft, chalk-like rock called diatomite or diatomaceous earth (DE).  Geological upheavals over the eons have exposed these abundantly-rich sedimentary deposits.

There are both freshwater and saltwater species of DE.  The most common freshwater species are Melosira granulata, Melosira preicelanica or Melosira islandica.  Freshwater species are superior to saltwater types, and are characterized by a highly-porous, filter-like, cylindrical shape of much greater strength.  Fresh water lake deposits of DE occur in Nevada, Oregon, Washington and California. Lake deposits of DE also occur in interglacial lakes in the eastern U.S., Canada, Germany, France, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Africa and Australia. In 1836, the first deposit of diatomaceous earth was discovered in Northern Germany (where it is called “kieselgur”). Through the history of man’s existence, uses have been found for these diatomite deposits, and today there are many ways for man to benefit from using this material.

When diatomaceous earth is quarried, milled, finely ground, screened and centrifuged, it becomes a fine talc-like powder. Proper milling is essential to crack apart the diatom skeleton and to expose the hard, microscopic silica spines.   This powder can be safely handled with bare hands, although it can cause drying of the skin with prolonged contact.   Diatomaceous earth is a non-toxic, inert material.  It is composed of 85% amorphous silica, and numerous other minerals including aluminum, iron, calcium and magnesium in higher percentages to potassium, phosphorus, manganese, titanium and other trace minerals.

DE is utilized industrially, agriculturally and for health purposes.  It has been used extensively as a pesticide for control of internal parasites in livestock and for insect control in grain storage in the U.S for nearly 50 years and for over 400 years in China, Egypt, Greece and Africa.  Unfortunately, its myriad of benefits have been largely forgotten (or perhaps intentionally concealed and unrevealed), and substituted by new, so-called “improved” technologies of the chemical pesticide industry in the last sixty years.  It all sounds too familiar of a story.

DE’s method of destroying insects is entirely mechanical /physical and unlike the action of chemical insecticides. The microscopic and razor-like construction of a diatomite fragment disrupts the life process of insects.  These razor-sharp spines are harmless to humans and other warm-blooded animals due to their size, as well as physical differences. The destructive effects of DE is solely to insects, whose frames (exoskeletons) are on the outside. Vital fluids of insects are held in and protected by an oily or waxy seal over a hard porous cover. If an object is small and sharp enough, it will scratch the insect’s waxy seal, allowing the insect to dehydrate and die. Minute sharp particles are also taken in internally by certain insects and interfere with their breathing, digestion and reproduction.

Among the list of pests that DE has been used successfully to control are:  ants, termites, slugs, snails, fleas, fly maggots, aphids, bed bugs, mites, ticks, cockroaches, earwigs, scorpions, cutworms, ear worms, lawn grubs and grasshoppers.  Complete insect control may take several days, and re-application may be necessary after a heavy rain.  Unlike chemical insecticides that act fast and have a short residual effect, DE works slower while remaining active and nontoxic as long as it remains in the environment.  DE is not harmful to earthworms, but unfortunately is detrimental to honeybees and other beneficial insects.  It is suggested to not apply to flowers.

The addition of Silica (the main mineral component of DE) has been proven to have beneficial effects to soils and to plant growth.  Over the years, through intense agricultural use of the land, silica has been depleted. This not only effects plant growth but the amount of silica found in our foods.  Studies suggest that only about 1/3 of the silica that we need is present in our fruits and vegetables.  Silica is a necessary component for the health of our tendons, cartilage, blood vessels, and bones. It is also needed for the health and strength of our skin, teeth and nails and contributes to the health of almost all of our vital organs, including the heart, liver and lungs. 

One of the oldest uses of diatomaceous earth has been cosmetically, as a toothpaste and facial scrub, due to its mild abrasive capacities, although its list of benefits for humans is extensive.  It has become most popular for its use in the elimination of internal parasites in humans and in animals, removing intestinal invaders and other harmful substances from the digestive tract, and stimulating digestion and the absorption of nutrients by sweeping foreign bodies out of the system.  It has gained even more popularity recently as a natural detox substance for humans.

Since 80% of DE’s volume is made up of interconnected pores and voids, its use as a filtering, filler and absorption material is well known.  Because of these qualities, DE is also used in baking mixes, shoe polish, cosmetics, body powders, cat litter, water filters, metal polishes, soaps, potting soil conditioners, hand cleaners, and beers and wines are filtered through it. Diatomaceous earth is FDA approved for internal and external use and has a rating of Food Chemical Codex Grade.  

The majority of swimming pool filtration systems now use “Pool Filter Grade” diatomaceous earth that has been heat and chemically treated and is toxic to animals or humans who ingests it.  It is always of utmost importance to only obtain “Food Grade” diatomaceous earth to use in and around your household or for animal or human use.  A local supplier of “Food Grade” DE here in the Quepos area is Johnny McDaniel at 2779-1103.  The only dangers that have been reported from the use of DE are through excessive inhalation or exposure to the eyes.

This incredible, natural, fossilized plant substance called Diatomaceous Earth has too many properties and benefits to list or to write about in one short article.  There is a wealth of information available on the web. For more in-depth scientific information and data, use “Melosira” in your google search.

Experimenting with natural substances like Diatomaceous Earth for use in the garden will be of major interest at the future botanical garden, so that these test results can be passed on to our visitors for their own benefit and for the benefit and safekeeping of our garden and natural environment as well.

Donna is a Horticulturist and has been living and working in Manuel Antonio for 8 years.  She consults, designs, installs and maintains gardens for private homes and hotels and also develops botanical trails. Donna is the founder and first Director of the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks and is pursuing the development of a botanical garden in, and for, the Quepos area.   dpdreamer@yahoo.com,  2777-5149

By Donna Porter

With all of the boldly exotic-looking tropical beauties that we have to choose from to use in our gardens and landscapes, like Helcionias, Gingers, Aroids, Marantas and Crotons, we sometimes forget that we also have a fabulous selection of flowering tropical shrubs that add even more color, form, grace and pizzazz to our world and for our eyes to behold.  Unlike their aforementioned garden companions, flowering shrubs perform nearly year round and add a rainbow of color and flower form to your garden or landscape.  Below are just a handful of what I believe are some of the most noteworthy of the most commonly seen in our area and in a nice assortment of colors.  Remember also that most flowering shrubs give their best performance when sited in a location where they receive at least 6 hours of full sun.

Mussaenda philippica

The eye-catching Mussaenda sp.  (Mussaenda in Spanish also) hails from tropical Asia, Africa and the South Pacific Islands.  Typically, we see the vibrant pink varieties, which exhibit an exquisite profusion of pink, petal-shaped “flowers”, (photo) but the showy part is not the flower but the flower’s sepal, (not the bract) which is part of the calyx, present at the base of all flowers. The pink Mussaenda are hybrids, but the names of those sold here are unbeknownst to me.   Mussaenda philippica ‘Dona Aurore’ is the refreshingly-white variety, which is a ravishing beauty with clusters of white sepals.  This is an awesome variety to behold since white flowers are not that common on tropical plants.  I have only recently seen an orange variety of Mussaenda and Mussaenda erythrophylla/Ashanti Blood is a vibrant red species (just not as prolific in sepal production as the pinks) which has the appearance of a poinsettia, but contrary to popular belief, Mussaendas belong to the family Rubiaceae and are not related to the poinsettia.

Alamanda cathartica

To add splashes of bright yellow to your garden, Allamanda cathartica/Allamanda/Jalapa in Spanish, exhibits 3-5” trumpet-shaped, bright yellow flowers.  The natural growth habit of A. cathartica is that of a climber, therefore it is best suited to be trained on a fence or trellis or planted where it will cascade over a wall.  This probably explains why they always look so gnarly when placed in a landscape, and expected to behave and grow upright like all the other shrubs.  Allamanda schotti is very similar to A. cathartica, but is a much smaller, compact species that is more manageable in a small garden, planter or pot.  Although not always detrimental, stem blight is a common malady on A. schotti and causes the tips of the stems to dieback.  Another small, yellow dazzler is Pachystachys lutea/Golden Shrimp Plant/Camarones in Spanish. It erectly displays conical-shaped yellow bracts (photo) from which white, shrimp-like flowers emerge. It is Native to Peru and likes sun to bright shade.  With routine, light pruning this shrub can be easily maintained to a very nice, compact size of 2 ft. that is continuously in bloom.

Megakepasma erythrochlamys

If you desire a large shrub, perhaps for screening or backdrop, with large red flower clusters, then Megakepasma erythrochlamys /Red Cloak/Pavoncillo Rojo in Spanish would be a great choice.  It originates in Venezuela and can reach heights of 12’. The showy “flowers” are a huge cluster of bracts which can grow to one foot in length.  Another red-flowering shrub you may consider for your garden collection (especially if you want to impress your northern friends visiting at Christmas) is Euphorbia pulcherrima/ Poinsettia /Pastora in Spanish. The poinsettia (title photo) belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae and is native to Mexico, where in the wild it can grow to 15’.    After the holidays are over, re-pot or transplant your poinsettia out in your garden in full sun and in very-well drained soil and cut back every 3 months to encourage branching.  Holiday poinsettias are hybrids grown from cuttings in climate- controlled greenhouses. Fourteen hours of darkness is needed to initiate bloom, but even being on the border of this day length requirement they will naturally begin to bloom here around October.

Brunfelsia grandiflora

For a surprising bloom of various shades of blues, violets, purples, lavender and white, nothing can beat the bountiful, mixed profusion of  Brunfelsia grandiflora/ Yesterday-Today-Tomorrow /Ayer-Hoy-Manana, which hails  from Columbia to Bolivia. This is not one for the potted plant collection, as it can grow to 12’ in height.  But, its unusual combination of colors and shades of color (photo) on the same plant is a rarity in the shrub world and can be a true show- stopper when in bloom.

If you are searching for a flowering shrub some variation of the color orange, then the all so common, but magnificent, Ixora cadei/Giant Ixora/Ixora in Spanish, with its naturally rounded shape, is a good selection. Even more challenging to find here are dwarf shrubs, and the hybrid Ixoras shine bright in this category, offering selections that grow to a height of only 2 ft…  They also come in light yellow and a subtle pink. If a soft peach color is preferred,

Brugmansia versicolor

Brugmansia versicolor/Angel’s Trumpet/Reina del la Noche with its long 12-20” awe-striking, pendant and funnel-shaped peach flowers (photo) will fill your nights with fragrance and sweet, sweet dreams.

So, even though we foreigners tend to go ga-ga over the more “exotic” looking tropical flowers, tropical flowering shrubs will reward you with a parade of color nearly year-round. 

Pruning workshops for gardeners, or interested home owners, will be just one of many classes that will be on the educational program menu at the future botanical garden, where the endless assortment of flowering shrubs will paint the grounds with every color of the rainbow….and then some.

Donna is a Horticulturist and has been living and working in Manuel Antonio for 8 years.  She consults, designs, installs and maintains gardens for private homes and hotels and also develops botanical trails. Donna is the founder and first Director of the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks and is pursuing the development of a botanical garden in, and for, the Quepos area.   dpdreamer@yahoo.com,  2777-5149

By Donna Porter

Allow me to introduce you to one of the shadiest families I know of – the Marantaceae Family.  They love dark, damp, hummusy places….. but, are actually a fine and honorable group of plants that have even been known to pray.  These bold beauties exult and thrive in the shade, where their colors are more pronounced, rich and vibrant.  There simply could not be a lovelier selection of shade- loving plants than those that are found in the Marantaceae Family.  It is commonly known as the Prayer Plant Family due to the fact that a few of the species of this family (mainly Maranta leuconeura, commonly called “Prayer Plant”) rolls together its leaf edges and slants upward, like praying hands, in response to darkness.  This lengthwise cupping of the leaf is made possible due to a specialized joint on the leaf’s petiole (seen at the base of the leaf) called the pulvinus. The pulvinus allows this movement in the leaf and also makes for easy identification of this family.

The Marantaceae (Maranta for short) Family is composed of 30 genera and nearly 500 species of plants mostly all originating in moist tropical forest or wetlands.  Of the 30 genera, the most popular is by far the Calatheas (Calateas in Spanish) with nearly 300 species alone, followed by Ctenanthe (tee-NANTH-ee) and Stromanthe. The showy “flowers” of this family are, as with many of the tropical plants, the showy bract. Moist, well-drained, humus- rich, organic soil best suits most plants in this family. 

Members of this family, similar to those in the Aroid Family, are popular foliage plants that are shipped world-wide for use as houseplants and in interior landscapes due to their low-light requirements.  Marantas though, are slightly more intolerant of low-humidity conditions and highly fluoridated waters, and show their displeasure with browning of their leaf edges or leaf tips.  Long periods of intense, direct sunlight and dryness will also have these same effects.

 But here in the tropics, where we can fortunately utilize such exquisite gems as Marantas in our exterior gardens, one can find, with a little searching, some of the most beautiful specimens of Marantas known to man.  (When searching in a vivero for Marantas, an obvious place to look would be under their shade cloth.  Also, ask for Calateas). Their bold and distinctly defined variegated leaves make them the show stoppers that they are. The pattern of the contrasting color is somewhat of an abstract, tree-shaped design that uses the leaves midrib (center vein) as its trunk.  Their leaves are typically variegated with two contrasting colors, and the leaf undersides of some species exhibit purple or maroon.  Slightly ruffled leaf edges on certain species adds another fine touch to their elegant natural form. 

Calathea zebrina is the most common Maranta that I have seen in the viveros and in the local landscapes.  This species, though, is highly intolerant of long, direct exposure to sunlight and is one that will curl its leaves up in response to dryness.  The rich, velvety leaves of C. zebrina are happiest in the moist and shady depths of a landscape, where they will flourish and reward you with a ravishing understory cover to your garden.    

Another easy to find species is Calathea concinna, which sports a light green, almost bluish leaf, with dark green, branch-like stripes. The thicker, heavier leaf texture of this species makes it more tolerant to some direct sun.  In the garden C. concinna adds an enormous amount of contrast, especially in mass, but as with any plant with highly ornate leaves, they should be placed alongside plain leafed plants as to not to detract from their uniqueness. 

Ctenanthe setosa has also been frequently spotted in viveros around the area as well as in gardens.   This is an easy to grow, very upright species that stands close to a 1 meter in height and its undersides are cloaked in purple.  It too has the attractive leaf pattern so commonly found in the Maranta Family.  

Undoubtedly, anyone who lives here in Costa Rica or has traveled the roadways of the country has certainly sighted the most popular native species of the Marantaceae Family, Calathea lutea.  Here in Costa Rica, the common Spanish name is Bijuaga.  Calathea lutea is easy to spot from a distance. It stands 3-4 meters in height and displays large, upright, Heliconia-type leaves that are white on the undersides. Even though it exhibits no intricate pattern on its leaf, its white underside characteristic makes it unmistakable in its identification. Its flower/bract is a brownish- yellow, cigar-shaped structure. 

 Another large and handsome Costa Rica native is Calathea crotalifera, also called Bijuaga by the locals.  This species has a very ornate, upright, yellow flower/bract which resembles the rattles of a Rattlesnake, thus attributing to its common English name of “Rattlesnake Plant”.  It is certainly the showier flower of these two native species.  The large, ovate leaves of both of these native species  are used in place of banana leaves for wrapping tamales, wrapping lunches-to-go, as umbrellas and even with some of the indigenous people, for wrapping their deceased prior to burial. Although these two native species can be spotted growing in sunny areas, their leaves are a healthier green when found in the shade. 

Most members of the Marantaceae family are generally easy to grow, have few insect pests and do well in containers.  Some of the species are small, if not petite, and would be easy to find a spot for within your home or office.  I recommend starting your own Maranta collection – or even just one.  This way you could continuously be awed by its simple, but magnificent beauty. 

There are just too many amazingly beautiful Marantas to attempt to define by words alone.  I await the day that all Quepolandians and its visitors will be able to see, and not only read about, all of these tropical beauties.   A superb collection of the Marantaceae Family will certainly grace those moist and shady niches at the future botanical garden. 

Donna is a Horticulturist and has been living and working in Manuel Antonio for 8 years.  She consults, designs, installs and maintains gardens for private homes and hotels and also develops botanical trails. Donna is the founder and first Director of the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks and is pursuing the development of a botanical garden in, and for, the Quepos area.   dpdreamer@yahoo.com,  2777-5149

If ever you had to choose but one plant amongst all of the other plants on the planet to co-exist with or you ever found yourself in a dire survival situation, which plant would you choose; which plant would you seek out?   (Hint – it is a tropical plant, that can grow up to 100 ft. in height, produces a nut and is the paradigm of the tropics and tropical beauty).  Well, if you chose the Coconut Palm, Cocos nucifera, then you chose wisely and your chances of survival would be high. In Malaysia it is called “the tree of a thousand uses” and in the Phillipines “the tree of life” – and these titles are highly warranted.

Cocos nucifera has been cultivated for so long, and was introduced to tropical regions at such an early date in time (possibly 4,000 years ago), that its exact place of origins are obscured and can only be speculated as being the seacoasts of the South Pacific Islands. “Nucifera” means “nut bearing” and “Cocos” comes from the Portuguese word for “monkey”, which refers to the resemblance of the three indentations or eyes of a coconut to that of a monkey’s face.

The Coconut Palm Tree is truly the most utilitarian plant on earth. Practically every part of this plant can be utilized in one way or another and the health benefits of its fruit are being re-discovered and touted.  The coconut’s nut or seed (the innermost part of the fruit) provides highly nutritious water (agua pipa), milk, meat (copra), and oil which has fed and nourished populations around the world for generations. It is considered a “functional food” which means its health benefits go beyond its nutritional value.  Nearly one third of the world’s population depends on the coconut palm to some degree for their food and their economy. Among these cultures the coconut has a long and respected history.

To have an awareness and knowledge of the “thousand uses” and benefits of the coconut palm – is to appreciate why this plant is so highly glorified and considered in some cultures as “the tree of life”.   Below is an abbreviated list of the many uses of its various parts.

Roots – made into a beverage and a mouthwash; used as a dye

Trunk – provides a straight, salt-resistant, durable wood used for building timbers in the construction of homes, bridges and furniture; used to make paper pulp.

Leaves – used for making roof thatching, wall separators, fences, brooms, hats,  floor mats, fans, lamp shades, bags, baskets and toothpicks.

Husk (consist of a hard outer covering, inner fibers  and finer particles called “coir”)- used in making ropes, mattresses, pillows, coarse cloth and brushes; used as firewood; burnt for mosquito repellant; is an alternative for peat moss that provides moisture- holding abilities, aeration and drainage in soils; mulching material.

Shell (of the inner nut/seed) – used as charcoal; used in making bowls, cups, storage containers, jewelry and musical instruments.

Flower inflorescence – used to make helmets, caps and handbags; the extracted sap from the flowers made into  “toddy” which is used to produce vinegar, wine, brandy and bread yeast

Meat (the hardened, thick white flesh called the “copra”) – is a  sweet and tasty, high source of protein, fiber (higher than legumes and grains), Vitamins  (C, Thiamin, Folic Acid, Potassium), Minerals (Iron, Zinc, Phosphorus); regulates blood sugar & insulin levels; aids in digestion; used for making coconut flour, shredded coconut, candles, candies, soaps, cosmetics and animal feeds; is the source of coconut milk and oil.

Coconut Water (the liquid in both young and old coconuts and not to be confused with coconut milk) – is highly valued for its re-hydration abilities due its isotonic electrolyte properties; kidney cleanser and laxative (older milk).

Coconut Jelly (the jelly-like flesh of young, green coconuts, which later becomes the meat) – desserts and coconut jelly.

Coconut Milk/Cream (made by squeezing the grated or finely blended coconut meat) – used in making beverages (pina coladas), Thai curries and desserts; source of virgin coconut oil.

Coconut Oil – (produced from allowing the extracted milk to set  and ferment for 24-48 hrs. for the oil to rise and then be separated or the meat is heat-pressed) – used for skin and hair care products; used in hospital IV solutions; is being re-claimed as “the healthiest oil on earth” and has innumerable health benefits including, but not limited to – aids in digestion; empowers the immune system; boost energy and endurance; has antiviral (influenza, herpes, hepatitis C, AIDS, measles), antibacterial (ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections), antifungal (candida, athletes foot, diaper rash) and antioxidant properties; expels toxins, carcinogens and internal parasites in humans and animals;  increases mineral absorption in your body and  promotes weight loss.

Only recently has modern medical science unlocked the astounding secrets to coconut’s amazing healing powers.  Coconut oil is of special interest because it possesses healing properties far beyond that of any other dietary oil.  The Coconut Research Center, located in Colorado Springs, CO and founded by Dr. Bruce Fife, has revived the tainted reputation of coconut oil, which was pooh-poohed in the 70’s in the U.S. for being “heart un-healthy”.  Dr. Fife’s findings have helped to restore vigor and hope to depressed economies and starving people in Malaysia and other tropical countries, which were economically devastated by the negative claims about coconut and palm oils.  Dr Fife’s research has revealed that these accusations (which were being publicized by none other than the U.S. soybean and corn industries and other U.S. special interest groups  – hmmm, imagine that) regarding its supposed unhealthy saturated fatty acid content were unfounded, untrue and had no scientific research and evidence to back them up.  Dr. Fife’s research has unveiled the true chemical nature of the coconut’s fatty acids.

Most, if not all of the fatty acids that we consume today are Long Chain Fatty Acids (LCFA) as are the vegetable oils including canola, safflower, olive and sunflower.  Coconut oil, however, is unique in the fact that it is made up of mostly MCFA’s (Medium Chain Fatty Acids). MCFA’s are easily broken down, digested and used rapidly  by the body for energy, unlike LCFA’s, which are much harder to break down, digest and are stored in the body as fat.  MCFA’s are also found in human breast milk, which is considered nature’s most perfect food. It is these MCFA’s that protect babies from infections for the first few months while the immune system is still developing.

The Coconut Research Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public and medical community about the many benefits of coconut and other palm products. They do not sell coconut products; their purpose is purely educational. Their website, www.coconutresearchcenter.org , contains informative articles on the nutritional and medical uses of coconut and palm products, links to published studies, sources for books on coconut, palm, and related topics, recipes, and a listing of the best sources for products. New information is continually being added to keep their website up-to-date and provide the most informative coconut/palm educational resource available. The purpose of their website is to “dispel the myths surrounding coconut and palm products and to present a more accurate and scientific viewpoint. The health benefits of coconut and palm are so numerous and so remarkable that this information needs to be available to all”.

There is a mountain of additional information concerning the coconut palm and coconut oil available on the web and we are fortunate to be living in a tropical area where coconuts are plentiful, but oddly enough, coconut products are not.

Educational programs at the future botanical garden will include interesting guest speakers like Dr. Fife – to share his fascinating story and extensive coconut research; chefs to conduct culinary classes on cooking with coconut products; artisans to demonstrate their coconut artistry and craftsmanship; and health and beauty experts to give advice and instruction on the use of virgin coconut oil.  You will be able to peruse the Coconut Festival, while sampling coconut crème pies and coconut curries that tantalize your tastebuds, and join in on celebrating the “thousand uses” of one of the most incredible, versatile and medicinal plants on the planet – the coconut palm.

Donna is a Horticulturist and has been living and working in Manuel Antonio for 8 years.  She consults, designs, installs and maintains gardens for private homes and hotels and also develops botanical trails. Donna is the founder and first Director of the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks and is pursuing the development of a botanical garden in, and for, the Quepos area.   dpdreamer@yahoo.com,  2777-5149

Over numerous decades and generations, the world renowned song “Imagine” by John Lennon has touched the hearts of billions of people and made us all contemplate, at some time, living in a world united in peace – a oneness.  His lyrics have inspired us to imagine a world without a heaven, a world without countries, a world without religion, without possessions, a world without a need for greed or hunger. These were, and still remain, very thought provoking and profound words to encourage world peace.  But, sadly enough, here in the year 2011, these things are still so hard to imagine. Wars continue to rage around the world as does greed and hunger. John Lennon wrote these lyrics in the 1970’s – the era of the peace movement that was born due to the Vietnam War.

Throughout the 80’s and the 90’s and now into the 21st century, the environmental movement has replaced the compelling peace movement and has been waging its own protest for the protection of our planets natural environment.   I await the day that a songwriter will write a similarly inspirational song about “imagining a world – if you can – without plants”.  We have all seen photos of other planets and our moon – barren surfaces, void of any plant life or visible living organisms.   Close your eyes and try to imagine what this earth would look like physically – without plants; how the landscape that we see every day would be so drastically and depressingly different.  What would a day be like on this earth without the innumerable and inexhaustible “gifts” that plants provide?

The fact of the matter is that without plants – nothing else would matter. Period. Plants are our most fascinating, precious, valuable, reliable and essential companions on our planet.  You, me, the birds and the bees, your dog, your family, the iguanas and monkey’s – no large living organism could survive here on this planet without them.  They are a major link in our world’s natural biological system that cannot be removed or replaced.  They provide us humans with the foods that sustain and nourish us; the beverages that quench our thirst; the medicines that soothe our aches and pains and cure our aliments; the materials to construct and furnish our homes; the shade that saves us from a relentless sun; the filtered air that we breath; and last but not least, unsurpassed, never-ending beauty. These are the most obvious manners in which plants keep us alive and flourishing, but this list is almost endless.

I recall a very simple but enlightening exercise that we did in grade school science class that is worth repeating.   Stop what you are doing at this moment and take a look around where you are sitting and notice everything within a ten foot radius that was derived from a plant.   Throughout your daily routine – from the time you get up in the morning to the time you go to bed at night – take notice of everything you come in contact with or consume that is a direct or indirect product of some type of plant.  Even now, in our more-advanced age of technology and plastics, we rely heavily on plants and plant-derived products.  They are irreplaceable.

Scientific advancements such as genetic engineering/altering of agricultural crops are a desperate attempt by researchers to keep up with modern times and help farmers to improve the cost efficiency of large–scale food production. Unfortunately, many of these advancements such as herbicide resistant soybeans (where farmers spray over the top of the crop to kill the weeds) are not only producing a more toxic product, but are also producing new strains of resistant weeds.  It is almost humorous that scientists believe that they can out-wit plants.

A better example of modern plant advancements is the use of certain bamboo species in place of wood for construction and furnishing materials.  This “discovery” is an attempt to discourage the destruction of the rainforests for tropical hardwoods used in building and provide other natural sources of materials that can be easily and quickly cultivated.  Nothing will ever replace the unparalleled beauty of some of the tropical hardwoods, but at last, what indigenous people have been doing for centuries is finally catching on and being employed in more modern ways.   Similarly, bamboo and hemp are also being used as alternative materials for making fabric for clothing.

Medicinal plants are undoubtedly the greatest natural “gift” to mankind and the ones that are the most amazing. The incredible complex compounds that exist in many plants have boggled the minds of many a scientist and are feverishly being extracted and/or synthesized in pharmaceutical laboratories world-wide for use in modern, over -the-counter drugs.  Once again, what for centuries indigenous man was utilizing for his own benefit is only now being seriously explored by modern man. Man has not even reached the tip of the iceberg in his pursuit and attempt to utilize plants in the world of modern medicine.   I am convinced that for every ailment known to man, there is plant antidote somewhere on the planet to conquer it. Perhaps it is a game of hide and seek.

The mysterious, fascinating and radiant world of plants is celebrated everyday at botanical gardens across the globe.  These facilities are not just luxury tourist attractions displaying pretty flowers and colorful gardens, but they are institutions that are absolutely essential to our planet by keeping species from extinction through their cultivation and their preservation. They are plant museums and their roles on this planet are not frivolous, but vital.  We do not want to imagine our planet without plants – our essential companions on our planet – ever.

“They may say I’m a dreamer, but………..”. The future botanical garden in Quepos will exist to celebrate the spectacular and valuable tropical plants of our region and our planet.

Donna is a Horticulturist and has been living and working in Manuel Antonio for 7 1/2 years.  She consults, designs, installs and maintains gardens for private homes and hotels and also develops botanical trails. Donna is the founder and first Director of the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks and is pursuing the development of a botanical garden in, and for, the Quepos area.   dpdreamer@yahoo.com,  2777-5149

If there were ever a world-wide popularity contest of families in the plant world, without a doubt, the Araceae family and its members would win – hands down.  This family’s realm of existence extends from the most frigid of northern climates to the sweltering tropical rainforest of the southern hemisphere.  Its fame is not due to characteristics such as possessing exquisitely-beautiful or scented flowers (as the orchid), or deliciously- sweet fruit (as the mango), or intricate and outrageously- colorful foliage (as the croton).  The truth is that this family’s expansive recognition is mainly due to the fact that it can tolerate low-light conditions, adapt to low-humidity environments, scoff at neglect and travel well.  And, yes, their handsomely-bold and striking foliage has also greatly helped. This renowned family of plants includes an astonishing 108 genera and nearly 3,700 species.  With the assistance of man, its celebrity members have traversed the globe from their native tropical habitats into shopping malls, offices, hotel lobbies and homes of every climate imaginable.

The Araceae family (aka the Arum family because of their typical arrow-shaped leaves) is also commonly called “Aroids” in the trade.  The most distinct and easily-recognizable characteristic of Aroids is their “flower” (or inflorescence) which is comprised of a spathe and a spadix. (The only other family possessing this flowering characteristic is Arecaceae – The Palm family). The spathe is the outer bract, which typically appears like a cupped leaf enfolding the phallic-like spadix. The coloration of the singular spathe can range anywhere from pure white (like Spathiphyllum floribundum/ Peace-Lily/Espatifilo), to greenish-white or light green, to off-white, beige, maroon, purple, red or pink.  The shape of the spathe can vary as well, from an open spoon-shaped; to spear-shaped, cupped and almost entirely enclosing the spadix; to Elizabethan-type collar – shaped; to flat, reflexed and perfectly-hearted shaped – like many of the florist cultivars and hybrids of Anthurium spp.

When it comes to size of an Aroid’s “flower”, well this family has won in both categories of extremes from the largest to the tiniest.  Amorphophallus titanium/Titan-Arum is by far the champion for its grandiose flower, and is by far one of the greatest curiosities in the plant world.   Fairchild Tropical Gardens in Miami made the news in May of 2001 when their Titan-Arum, lovingly dubbed “Mr. Stinky”, gave birth to its second bloom, ever, which measured 6.5 feet tall.  The name comes as no surprise, since the flower of this species emits a pungent, putrid aroma, much like rotting meat, that attract the carrion beetle which aids in pollination.  The honors of the tiniest known flower go to another member of the Arum Family, Wolffia arrhiza/Duckweed.

The popularity and visibility of many members of the Arum family is mainly due to their usage in interior landscapes and their huge success in the foliage plant industry.  Undoubtedly, at some time in your life, you have crossed-paths with them at shopping malls, building lobbies or had one adorning your home or office.  Some of the most popular of these durable Aroid beauties is   Dieffenbachia spp./Dumbcane/Loteria (in Spanish); Aglaonema spp./Chinese Evergreen; Spathiphyllum floribundum / Peace Lily/Espatifilo; Philodrendron spp. (numerous species), Monstera deliciosa/Swiss Cheese Plant/ Mano de Tigre; Syngonium podyphyllum/Arrowhead Vine; and Epipremnum aureum/Pothos – a vining plant with heart-shaped, green and yellow variegated leaves that can tolerate extreme cases of plant  neglect.  Caladium x hortulanum is another Aroid member that is frequently used to add splashes of color in outdoor shade gardens in the U.S., but will not survive severe winters.

Here, in Costa Rica, the land of warmth and humidity, all of these Aroids thrive with minimum care in our outdoor gardens or as potted plants.  They perform best planted in part- shade to full-shade in well-drained, humus–rich soil.  Scorching, yellowing or blanching of the leaf will occur in full-sun.     Our tropical landscapes – and forests – are teeming with Aroids.  Under tropical conditions, the leaves of Philodendron spp. or Epipremnum aureum/Pothos can grow 1-2 feet or more and climb trees to heights of  10- 30 feet.  It’s a Horticulturist’s Heaven! But, beware.  There are always the over-achievers like Syngonium podophyllum.  With its rapid and profuse vining habit it is close to being considered an invasive plant, as it already is considered in Florida.

There are numerous species in the Arum Family that are native to Costa Rica.  Probably the most popular is Anthurium cubenses/Tabacon (in Spanish translates to tobacco leaf), which is a common epiphyte in the rainforest, but can also be terrestrial. There are nearly 80 native species of Anthurium/Anturio (in Spanish); 12 native species of Dieffenbachia; 22 native species of Monstera; and 59 native species of Philodendron…. plus more.

Other noteworthy Aroids are in the genera Alocasia, Colocasia and Xanthosoma.  The genus Alocasia includes beauties like Alocasia x amazonica and Alocasia macrorrhizos ‘Variegata’ that exhibit some of the most awe-striking, arrow-leafed foliage imaginable. Taro, Colocasia esculenta, is grown for its starchy, edible corm and vitamin-rich leaf and has an amazing range of culinary usage around the globe.   (Leaves of the Taro and other Aroids contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation of the mouth, throat and skin.  Leaves must be cooked to minimize the chemical before consumption). C. esculenta ‘Black Knight’, a cultivar of Taro, makes a stunningly- bold and contrasting addition to your garden. Xanthosoma sagittifolium/Tiquisque (in Spanish) is another edible Aroid. The plant’s tubers are high in starch and used mainly to thicken soups.  X. maffafa is the famed Elephant Ear/ Malanga which has been naturalized throughout parts of Costa Rica.  Its bold and upright presence In a tropical garden is unparalleled.

A glorious exhibit of Aroids will be found climbing trees and amongst the many display gardens and collections contributing their precious richness of green, their uniqueness of flower and their distinctiveness of  form  at the future botanical garden.

Donna is a Horticulturist and has been living and working in Manuel Antonio for 7 years.  She consults, designs, installs and maintains gardens for private homes and hotels and also develops botanical trails. Donna is the founder and first Director of the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks and is pursuing the development of a botanical garden in, and for, the Quepos area.   dpdreamer@yahoo.com,  2777-5149

A tree is not just a tree, a flower is not just a flower and a fruit is just not a fruit.  To describe a plant by saying that it is a “tropical tree with green leaves and yellow flowers” is similar to describing a person by saying “it is a Latino man with black hair and dark skin”. This oversimplification of descriptions leaves one scratching one’s head in wonder and as clueless as ever.  Plants, as humans, are not all created equal. They are characterized and classified in an assortment of ways to distinguish them, or their groupings or types, and to help in their identification.  Having an identity is as important in the plant world as it is in the human world, although, plants, unlike humans, can be preserved for future usage and benefit – an even greater reason for correct identification.

Horticulturists and Botanists spend lifetimes exploring, discovering and breeding new plant species, varieties and cultivars for public benefit and enjoyment.  Their system of botanical nomenclature (naming) is complex and beyond the comprehension of the common man.  But, in the extensive world of plants it sets apart one type of tree, or flower, or fruit – one Latino man – from the other and gives them the recognition they deserve.   Even though the system of botanical nomenclature was established and is strictly upheld mainly for scientific purposes, it is out of respect, interest and one’s own personal benefit to, at least, have an awareness of this naming system and the significance for its existence.

The most familiar classifications for all living organisms, whether in the Plant or Animal Kingdom, are by genus and species.  But, Horticultural classification (not botanical) goes beyond that and includes in the classification, for further definition, the plants variety and/or its cultivar.  If you have ever been one who mail-ordered from seed or plant catalogs, you probably have a better understand and appreciation of these terms.

Varieties of a plant are just that – some variation in a plant species that occurs in nature, through cross-pollination, mutation and/or adaptation – for instance, when a white flower is discovered on a plant that has only been known to produce pink flowers. Hence, a new variety is born and the new variety name may be alba – for white. Variety names follow the species and are always italicized and lower case. For example, the most common Croton seen in our tropical gardens is Codiaeum variegatum pictum. Older nomenclature systems sometimes designated varieties by preceding the name with the abbreviation var. - Codiaeum variegatum var. pictum.

Cultivars, on the other hand, do not occur naturally in the wild. The term cultivar is a contraction derived from the term “cultivated variety”.  It is a variety that was discovered in the wild and is now being “cultivated” or intentionally reproduced by man.   When distinct, desirable variations occur during reproduction/’‘cultivation”  of the cultivated varieties then, walla, a new ‘cultivar’ is born.

Unlike a variety which can produce genetically similar, identical plants, cultivars usually do not grow “true” from seed and will need to be propagated by some means other than seed, like grafting, cuttings or repeated hybridization. This is why many fruits. like Mangoes, Avocado and Oranges for example, that are attempted to be grown from seed, do not come out tasting or even looking like the fruit in which the seed was taken.  A plant is only considered true to its cultivar name if the distinguishing characteristics that made them unique from the original plants are retained when they are propagated by cuttings or grafts.

Cultivar names are not italicized. They appear after the species name and are enclosed in single quotes, for example: Heliconia chartacea ‘Sexy Pink’.   To produce even more extraordinary foliage or flower characteristics, cultivars can also be crossed, as species are crossed.  Any hybrid plant that is the result of cross-pollination by man is designated with an “x” in the plant name.  If you see that the names are in single quotes, then the plant was a result of the crossing of two cultivars and not two species.

There are probably numerous cultivars that never go to “market”.  Researchers select, and re-select, for the most desirable and outstanding characteristics such as color or form of a flower, the yield of a crop, resistance to disease, or ability to increase pollination.  When propagated correctly, the plants of a true cultivar should retain their special characteristics. Whether you know it or not, you already have some awareness of the plethora of cultivars through the diversity of color and forms found in popular garden plants like heliconias, crotons, gingers, roses and camellias but, also, the world’s major fruit, cereal and vegetable crops are also cultivars that are the results of years and years of research and selection.

As confusing as it all may sound, knowing a plants ‘cultivar’ or usually generally referred to as “variety” (but now you know better), can be helpful.  Here in Costa Rica, these names seem to be given so little importance, unlike the U.S.  There are advantages to a buyer/consumer in knowing the difference between the ‘cultivars’ of apple.  For example ‘Red Delicious’ is a sweeter, red-skinned apple mainly for eating fresh and ‘Granny Smith’ is a tarter, green-skinned apple popular for baking and making pies.  After my last article on Mangoes, I started exploring the different varieties of Mangoes, and wow!, what a difference there is.  Unfortunately, here in CR, many vendors do not know what varieties they are selling and stores do not display their names.  So, like many things here, it’s a crap shoot when buying fruits, veggies, ornamental plants and fruit trees.

One objective of the future botanical garden is to bring into the light and to raise awareness of the names of the numerous cultivars of ornamental plants and fruits.  Passing this information on to our visitors will give them an upper hand when selecting plants for their own gardens or harvested fruits for their table.

Donna is a Horticulturist and has been living and working in Manuel Antonio for 7 years.  She consults, designs, installs and maintains gardens for private homes and hotels and also develops botanical trails. Donna is the founder and first Director of the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks and is pursuing the development of a botanical garden in, and for, the Quepos area. dpdreamer@yahoo.com,  2777-5149

The delectable, juicy and unsurpassed sweetness of the Mango fruit is enjoyed by more people on a world-wide scale that any other fruit.  Mango is considered the “King of Fruits”.    They are associated with fortune, abundance and fertility and are represented in religious themes of South Asia’s Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and Christian communities. It is said that the forbidden fruit or “apple” in the biblical story of the Garden of Eden was that of the Mango. Fossil records dating back 25 to 30 million years have revealed the Mango’s center of origin as northeast India, Myanmar/Burma and Bangladesh and their cultivation dates back more than 6,000 years.

Mango, Mangifera indica, belongs to the family Anacardiaceae.   To attest to its popularity, this one species, M. indica, has over 900 cultivars and 102 hybrid crosses, with the majority originating in India and Srj Lanka.  Unknown cultivars of Mangifera indica first arrived in Costa Rica in the early 1800’s from other Latin American countries.   Today, the majority of Mangoes consumed in Costa Rica are produced in the province of Alajuela, mainly around the Oritina area.  The most popular commercial varieties grown in Costa Rica are ‘Ataulfo’ (the smallest, 6 – 12oz), ‘Irwin’, ‘Keitt’ (the largest, 20 – 26oz), ‘Haden’ and ‘Tommy Atkins’.  Slices of peeled, unripe, green Mango, sprinkled with salt, are a popular snack amongst the locals.

Here in Costa Rica, Mangoes begin to produce flowers in December – January with the onset of drier weather.  A distinct, annual dry season is necessary and unseasonal, wet weather will hinder cross-pollination and fruit production.  A Mango tree produces thousands of tiny flowers, but the majority self-abort, leaving only a hundred or so per tree to mature and produce fruit. A Mango flower will produce harvestable fruit in 90-150 days, depending on the cultivar. Our peak Mango time is February – April.

Mango trees can be produced by seed, but the fruit quality/ flavor will not be desirable.  Commercial growers of Mango trees use seedlings produced by the seed only as the rootstock – the bottom portion of the tree- which contributes physical characteristics such as tree height.    Varieties used in commercial fruit production are grafted, the same as apples and peaches.  A short stem or individual bud from a tree with desirable fruit characteristics is spliced (grafted) onto the rootstock. This horticultural technique ensures quality fruit.

A fungus called Anthracnose, which causes black spots on leaves and fruit, is one of the biggest cultural problems in Costa Rica, so yes, fungicides, and insecticides, are commonly used in commercial production. Fruits at harvest are typically plunged into hot water to kill the fungus, but this does not remove the cosmetic black spot. Fortunately, organic Mango production is making headway in Costa Rica.

The milky sap (which later turns translucent) that exudes from certain parts of the stem, and the peel of unripe fruits, contains mangiferen, mangiferic acid, and mangiferol.  These resins are potent skin irritants, capable of causing a similar allergic reaction to that of poison ivy (also in the Anacardiaceae family). Hypersensitive persons may react with considerable swelling of the eyelids, the face, and other parts of the body.  When mango trees are in bloom, hypersensitive people may also experience itching around the eyes, facial swelling and respiratory difficulty, even though there is no airborne pollen. The irritant is the vaporized essential oil of the flowers which contains the mangiferol and mangiferone. Mango wood should never be used in fireplaces or for cooking fuel, as its smoke is also a strong irritant.

Contrarily, various parts of the Mango tree are beneficial for humans and can be used as a home remedy for various ailments including the alleviation of menstrual cramps and heavy menstruation, treating skin diseases like scabies, strengthening the liver, combating asthma and coughs, as an antiseptic, for healing wounds, reducing diabetes, aiding in digestion and for reducing enlargement of the gall bladder. Research has also revealed that the mangiferin substance found in Mangoes helps to prevent certain types of cancerous growth even in its advanced stage.

Mangoes are rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene and high in vitamins. One hundred grams of the fruit’s pulp provides Vitamin C (27 g), Vitamin A ( 1,000-3,000 I.E.), Vitamin E, Vitamin B6 (0.134 g),  Potassium (156 mg), Calcium (10 mg), Magnesium (10 g), Iron (0.12 mg), Zinc (0.04 mg) and abundant natural fiber.

Some fascinating research has discovered that Mango leaves absorb an abnormally high amount of sound waves due to their unusual arrangement within the tree and, therefore, can be useful in noise pollution control. This leaf arrangement characteristic also gives them a greater ability to reflect heat and provide a greater amount of dense shade. Mango trees are also very long-lived trees, with some recorded specimens reaching 300 years old.

Above all, Mangoes are a refreshing culinary delight. A Mango festival at the future botanical garden will enliven our senses and broaden our horizons as to the cultivation and the many uses of the “King of Fruits”.

Donna is a Horticulturist and has been living and working in Manuel Antonio for 7 years.  She consults, designs, installs and maintains gardens for private homes and hotels and also develops botanical trails. Donna is the founder and first Director of the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks and is pursuing the development of a botanical garden in, and for, the Quepos area. dpdreamer@yahoo.com, 2777-5149.

February and March are not exactly my favorite times of the year here in Costa Rica.  Yes, these are our peak months for tourism but, as a plant person, my thinking leans more towards garden activity.  It is a time when we are not suppose to be planting, but I say, if there is a reliable water source and reliable labor available… then let the planting proceed.  This summer began with milder than usual temps and continued, cooling showers in December and on into January, but who knows what February and March will bring. With these conditions, it is has been especially difficult to halt the planting.

Summer in the tropics does have its advantages and “silver lining” in the plant world and one of those is that this is the time of the year when the flowering trees – do their thing.  With the onset of higher /dryer weather, many tree species will shed their leaves and begin their reproductive cycle of flowering and seed production.  It is almost a dormant state for many plants, where little vegetative growth is occurring compared to the rainy/”green” season.


Interestingly enough, a majority of the tree species that are bursting with color at this time, belong to the family Fabaceae.  Over the last two decades, though, some of these “Fabs” have been taxonomically re-classified into sub-families, but I will not boggle your mind with that.

Of course, there are the oddballs – the black sheep of the family – that defy the rules.  Delonix regia, Flamboyant/Malinche is one that shows-off its vibrant-orange display of flowers into other, non-summer, months, as does Calliandra haematocephala, Powderpuff Tree/Pompon.  This small flowering tree grows only to maximum heights of 12 feet (4 M) and, too, seems to bloom whenever it darn well pleases.  The showy part of their wispy, deep pink to red, powder-puff like flowers is actually the male reproductive anthers, and not flower petals.  They are similar to the well-known Mimosa, Albizzia julibrissin that thrives in the southern U.S.

But, there is quite an array of the non-defiant, summer-bloomers in the Fabaceae family that one can easily recognize throughout the Manuel Antonio/Quepos area.   Cassia fistula, Golden Showers/Canafistula peaks at this time with a delicate exhibit of hanging, grape-like, yellow flower clusters.  C. fistula reaches maximum heights of about 30 ft (15 M), and therefore can make a lovely, backdrop yard ornament, especially with its zigzag shaped trunk.  Closely related is Cassia grandis, Pink Showers/Carao, which is unmistakable to identify.  At first glimpse, it appears like a big, fluffy orange/pink cloud or mirage in the landscape, and you may have to shake your head and take another look to make sure that your eyes are not deceiving you.  Not too many flowering trees that I know of have this type of mirage-like visual effect.

Other members of the Fabaceae family are those trees in the genus Erythrina, which includes about 120 different species.  Erythrina (no matter which species) is commonly called Coral Tree in English, but here in Costa Rica the locals call it Poro.   I became intrigued (no, amused is more like it) with the unforgettable flower of Erythrina poeppigiana during my first summer here in Costa Rica.  This flower must be examined closely- and with an imaginative eye- to appreciate. To my eyes (and perhaps over-active imagination) each individual flower appears like a miniature, smurf-like cartoon character, sporting a long orange cape (the petal) and topped with a blue cap.   I recently stopped again, to re-examine, and again, it made me chuckle at its whimsical appearance. Have a look for yourself. There are quite a few of E. poeppigiana about one mile out on the road between Pali and the Costanera. Flowers can be found on the ground along- side the road for close examination.

Erythrina variegata is another noteworthy member of this genus. This is a much smaller (4 meters in height) species, with less amusing, orange/red flowers.  Its lively, green and yellow heart-shaped leaves make this an excellent species for a small garden and can be found, with some luck, at local nurseries or can be propagated by cuttings or sticks. It may possibly revert to all green with age, but is worth at least a short stay in your garden. Closely related species of this tree are commonly used as living fence posts and their vibrant red, loosely- clustered, upright tubular flowers can be easily noticed along many of our roadsides.  This species typically has few leaves and overall is not as striking as the E. variegata, or as amusing as the flowers of E. poeppigiana.

As for most trees, whether they have conspicuous showy flower displays or not, flower, fruit and seed production can vary from year to year, depending on weather conditions of that year.  With heavy rains, flowers (and therefore seeds) tend to be scarcer.  So, one year you may have a flowering tree that is just exquisite and enveloped in flowers, and the next year you may not have quite the same spectacular show.  So, don’t assume the flowering performance is necessarily related to tree health.

I can close my eyes and easily imagine the future botanical garden in the summer bursting alive with color with show-stopping beauties from a wide assortment of popular plant families.

Donna is a Horticulturist and has been living and working in Manuel Antonio for 7 years.  She consults, designs, installs and maintains gardens for private homes and hotels and also develops botanical trails. Donna is the founder and first Director of the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks and is pursuing the development of a botanical garden in, and for, the Quepos area. dpdreamer@yahoo.com,  2777-5149

Ginger.  The word, in and of itself, has an essence of beauty and intrigue.  It can stir your senses with images of the exotic, or bring feelings of delight to one’s lips by its soft pronunciation of syllables or to ones taste buds by its savory, tangy flavor.   But, here in the tropics, Ginger brings pleasure to the eyes as well.  It is the name commonly bestowed upon hundreds of plants that belong to the family Zingiberaceae, which include approximately 52 genera and 1,300 species.

Zingiber officinale is the culinary and medicinal ginger whose aromatic, rhizomatous root is world renown. It has been in cultivation in India and China for millennia, and therefore its exact origins are unclear.  Unlike many of its Zingiberaceae relatives, its claim to fame is its swollen, antler-looking roots, and not a colorful, showy flower or handsome foliage.

Currently Costa Rica is one of the major suppliers of ginger root for the US and EU.  Traditionally, the root is gathered when the stalk withers. It is immediately scalded, or washed and scraped, in order to prevent sprouting.  The characteristic odor and flavor of ginger is caused by a mixture of zingerone, shogaols and gingerols – volatile oils that compose one to three percent of the weight of fresh ginger. These chemical compounds found in ginger root also attribute to its world renowned medicinal use for treating nausea caused by motion sickness and morning sickness, and is being currently researched as to its benefits to patients enduring chemotherapy.  Ginger is also commonly used to aid in digestion, relieve flatulence, suppress coughs, reduce inflammation and soothe sore throats.  Along with its fame as a pungent spice in Chinese and Thai cuisine, the soft drink ginger ale is truly the Ginger family’s superstar, which was originally made with real ginger root until synthetic flavorings and cost effectiveness came into play in its production.  True-to-its-name, home-made ginger ale can still be made as a nutritional beverage using freshly grated ginger, cane sugar, lemon, baker’s yeast and water.

The Shampoo Ginger, Zingiber zerumbet, derives its English common name from the knowledge that Hawaiian women use the clear and shiny juices of its mature flower structure as a shampoo and conditioner. It is said that it leaves hair soft and lustrous, either left on or rinsed out.  Here in Costa Rica it is called Maracas, due to the fact that the flowers appear similar to that of the musical percussion instrument.

Along with many of our other tropical beauties, most “flowers” of plants in the Zingiberaceae family are (as you may have guessed) the showy bracts, and not the actual flower.  The true flower is typically small, and inconspicuous, emerging from between the bracts.

The genus, Alpinia, contains many of the most commonly seen gingers in our area and includes the beloved Red Ginger/Ginger Rojo, Alpinia purpurata.  Pink and white cultivars of this species exist, but, unfortunately, the ones that I have seen here in Costa Rica are not as vigorous as the reds.  Even the common Red Ginger has bold and striking cultivars, with assorted variations of flower size, color and form;  the three most popular being ‘Jungle King’, ‘Kimi’ and Hawaiian National winner ‘Eileen MacDonald’.

A few other of the most commonly found locals in the Ginger Family are in the genera Alpinia. Alpinia zerumbret ‘Variegata’, has tall (2 meters or more), upright stalks that support handsome green and white- striped leaves, and Alpinia zerumbret (this is the species, not a cultivar) which is quite handsome also, sporting yellow and green stripped leaves on short (up to 1 meter), outstretched stalks.  Even though both of these Shell Ginger’s flowers pale in comparison to its bright, eye-catching foliage they are still excellent to use in the landscape to add permanent, contrasting color.

Up until recent years, the genus Costus was included in the Zingiberaceae family but has now been re- classified into its own family of Costaceae.   These plants are easily recognized by their delicately-spiraled leaf stalks and found more in untamed gardens and natural settings.  The bracts of this genus (and the Curcuma genus also) are very cone-like in form.   Probably the most adored of the genus is Costus speciosus, due to its large, white, bell-shaped flower that proudly protrude above its reddish-brown bract.  The profuse, white flowers of this Costus can brighten up a shady, understory garden. There are approximately 25 species of Costus that are native to Costa Rica, including C. woodsonii, C malortieanus and C. barbatus.

I am sure that in some part of your Costa Rican travels, many of you have been awed by the magnificent and grandiose flowers of Emperors Cane, Torch-Ginger/ Bastan de Emperador, Etlingera elatior.  The leaf stalks of this large Zingiberaceae can reach heights of 5 meters, while its long, 1 – 1.5 meter flower stalks hold erect its huge, bulbous-like flower structure.  With this trait, one can truly understand why it received its common names; it certainly is deserving of upholding royalty and lighting the way.

There are just too many interesting and charming members in the Zingiberaceas family that deserve notoriety and mentioning, but a book, not a one-page article is necessary.  I think it would be best to just wait and see them all for yourself in the Zingiberaceae collection at the future botanical garden.

Donna is a Horticulturist and has been living and working in Manuel Antonio for 7 years.  She consults, designs, installs and maintains gardens for private homes and hotels and also develops botanical trails. Donna is the founder and first Director of the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks and is pursuing the development of a botanical garden in, and for, the Quepos area. dpdreamer@yahoo.com,  2777-5149