Costa Rica has an incredible abundance of flora which is protected by a large system of national parks. It boasts more than 9000 species of flowering plants and about 800 species of ferns, as well as many other species which are spread throughout the country. The national flower of Costa Rica is the purple country girl, called Guaria Morada in Spanish. It is a stunning orchid shining with purple hues and thin, rounded petals. Based on Tico tradition, the flower brings good luck and fortune.
Costa Rica is one of the biologically wealthiest nations in the world. While the country has only about 0.25% of the world’s landmass, it contains almost 5% of the world’s biodiversity. Costa Rica, which means “Rich Coast,” has the largest percentage of protected areas in the world. From the forested mountains to the coral reefs off both coasts, this small country treasures an incomparable diversity of flora and fauna. Costa Rica boasts more than 9000 species of flowering plants and about 800 species of ferns, as well as many other species which are spread throughout the country.
