Tropical Plants in the Americas by Armas Hill

PO Box 9021, Wilmington, DE 19809, USA
E-mail: font@focusonnature.com
Phone: Toll-free in USA 1-888-721-3555
or 302/529-1876

Tropical Plants
of the
Americas

in Mexico, Central America
South America
and the Caribbean

with those during
Focus On Nature Tours
thru 2015
noted with an (*)

during tours in the months of
January, February, March, April,
May, July, November, and December

The 1st part of a three-part list of Tropical Plants of the Americas compiled by Armas Hill

Photo at upper right: a plant in the Bromeliad family, VRIESEA ZAMORENSIS,
photographed during the April 2014 FONT Tour in southern Ecuador,
at a place where we enjoyed staying, Copalinga - a place with many birds, butterflies,
and interesting plants.   (photo by Marie Gardner)

FONT tours in the Neotropics have been in southern Mexico, Central America, South America, and on islands
in the Caribbean.

In the list that follows, below the scientific names are names in English and Spanish (S:) and Portuguese (P:).
The families in the list are given (mostly) in alphabetical order, and genera within them are given alphabetically as well.
Families that are "break-offs" from other families are at times here still with them, and may be out of alphabetical order.

Plant families listed alphabetically by the scientific name of the family (after CYATHEACEAE)
are in the second and third parts of this list:

TROPICAL PLANTS OF THE AMERICAS, Part #2
(from DENNSTAEDTIACEAE, Ferns to NYMPHAEACEAE, Water Lilies)

TROPICAL PLANTS OF THE AMERICAS, Part #3
(from OCHNACEAE, Wild Plane to ZYGOPHYLLACEAE, Caltrop)

Links to Plant Families in this Part of this List:

ACANTHACEAE - Acanthus including Black Mangrove ADOXACEAE including Viburnums

AGAVACEAE - Agave & Yucca (was said to be in the Lily Family - LILIACEAE) also NOLINACEAE

AIZOACEAE - Fig-marigold, or Carpetweed ALISMATACEAE - Water-plantains

ALSTROEMERIACEAE

AMARANTHACEAE (closely related to CHENOPODIACEAE - the Goosefoots) including Epazote (Mexican Tea)

AMARYLLIACEAE - Amaryllis ANACARDIACEAE - Sumacs Including Cashew, Mango, Spanish Plum

ANNONACEAE - Custard Apples including Soursop, Custard Apple (or "Bull's Heart")

APIACEAE - Parsley, or Celery family including Cilantro, Culantro

APOCYNACEAE - Dogbanes APODANTHACEAE (some endoparasitic herbs)

ARACEAE - Aroids ARALIACEAE - Aralias ARAUCARIACEAE - Araucarias

ARECACEAE, was PALMAE - Palms including Macauba Palm (or Cocoyol), Coconut

ARISTOLOCHIACEAE - Bladderwort, Birthwort, or Pipevines ASCLEPIADACEAE - Milkweeds

ASTERACEAE. COMPOSITAE - Aster & Sunflower including Cure-for-all Sourbush, Toothleaf Goldeneye

ATHYRIACEAE - Lady Ferns    BALANOPHORACEAE    BALSAMINACEAE - Touch-me-not

BASELLACEAE (a family of herbaceous plants)     BATACEAE - Pickleweed

BEGONIACEAE    BETULACEAE - Alders

BIGNONIACEAE - Bignonias, Trumpet Creepers including Calabash, Jacarandas, Tabebuia ("Ipe") Trees

BIXACEAE - Achiote, or Annato Plants BLECHNACEAE

BORAGINACEAE - Borages BRASSICADEAE - Mustards (formerly CRUCIFERAE)

BROMELIACEAE - Bromeliads including Pineapple, Spanish Moss BRUNELLIACEAE

BURSERACEAE - Torchwoods, or Incense Trees BUXACEAE - Box family CACTACEAE - Cacti

CALOPHYLLACEAE (previously in the CLUSIACEAE, or GUTTIFERAE family)

CAMPANULACEAE - Bellflowers including Lobelia CANELLACEAE including White Cinnamon

CANNACEAE - Canna (now includes ULMACEAE) CAPPARACEAE - Capers

CARICACEAE - Papaya Plants including Papaya (or Pawpaw), Wild Papaya (or Bonete)

CARYOCARACEAE (or RHIZOBOLACEAE) CELASTRACEAE - Bittersweet, or Staff-vine

CHENOPODIACEAE - Goosefoot Family     CHRYSOBALANACEAE     CLETHHRACEAE

CLUSIACEAE - Clusias    COCHLOSPERMACEAE

COMBRETACEAE - Bush Willows, Combretums, Almond     COMMELINACEAE - Dayflowers, or Spiderworts

CONVOLVULACEAE - Morning Glories   including Sweet Potato

COSTACEAE - Costus Family   including Spiral Ginger     CRASSULACEAE - Stonecrop, or Orpine Family

CUCURBITACEAE - Gourd, or Cucumbers
including Cushaw, Calabaza (Winter Squash), Calabacita (Summer Squash, or Zucchini), Christophine (or Chayote)

CUPRESSACEAE - Cypress, Juniper CYCLANTHACEAE - Panama Hat Palms CYATHEACEAE - Tree Ferns

The following families are in the second part of this list.
The link to them is here: TROPICAL PLANTS OF THE AMERICAS PART #2

DENNSTAEDTIACEAE - Ferns DILLENIACAE - Rose Apples DIOSCOREACEAE - Yam

EBENACEAE - Ebony and Persimmon ERYTHROXYLACEAE - Coca Family EUPHORBIACEAE - Spurges

Plants in EUPHORBIACEAE include Poinsettia, Rubber Tree, Cassava (or Tapioca)

FABACEAE - Legume, or Pea or Bean Family, includes CAESALPINIOIDAE, the Carob Plants,
and MIMOSOIDEAE, the Mimosa Plants

FABACEAE includes: Acacias, Groundnut (or Peanut), Pigeon Pea, Flamboyant Tree, Monkey Ladder Vine (or Caracol), Elephant-ear (or Guanacaste) Tree, Coral Tree, Inga Trees, Ib (or Common Lima Bean), Black Bean (or Frijoles Negro), Raintree, Tamarind, Retama

FAGACEAE - Oaks (in the Beech family)     GENTIANACEAE - Gentians     GESNERIACEAE - Gesnerias

GOODENIACEAE - Fan-flowers     HUMIRIACEAE     ICACINACEAE     JUGLANDACEAE - Walnuts   including Pecan

LAMIACEAE, or LABIATAE - Mints   including Pineapple Sage, Teak

LAURACEAE - Laurel   including Cassia Cinnamon, Avocado

LECYTHIDACEAE - Brazil Nut plants and allies   including Brazil Nut Tree, Cannonball Tree, Monkey Pot Tree

LILIACEAE - Lilies (including what was in AMARYLLIDACEAE, the Amaryllis Family)

LORANTHACEAE - Mistletoes     LYTHRACEAE - Loosestrifes including Pomegranate

MAGNOLIACEAE - Magnolias     MALPIGHIACEAE

MALVACEAE - Mallows (includes BOMBACACEAE, the Cotton Tree Plants)

MALVACEAE includes Cuipo Tree, Kapok (or Ceiba) Tree, Hand-flower Tree, Okra, other Rose Mallows (or Hibiscus)

MARANTACEAE - Arrowroot, or Prayer-plant Family MELASTOMATACEAE - Melastomes

MELIACEAE - Mahogany MENISPERMACEAE MORACEAE - Mulberry plants

MORACEAE includes Breadfruit, Bread Nut (or Mayan Nut), Milk Tree, Strangler Fig

MUSACEAE - Banana plants, Heliconias   including Banana, Plantain

MYRICACEAE - Wax-myrtle     MYRISTICAEAE - Nutmeg     MYRSINACEAE - Myrsine

MYRTACEAE - Myrtles includes Allspice, Guava     NYCTAGINACEAE - Four O' Clocks includes Bougainvillea

NYMPHAEACEAE - Water Lilies

The following families are in the third part of this list.
The link to them is here: TROPICAL PLANTS OF THE AMERICAS PART #3

OLACACEAE     OLEACEAE - Olive, Jasmine     ONAGRACEAE - Willowherb, Evening Primrose

ORCHIDACEAE - Orchids   includes Vanilla     PAPAVERACEAE - Poppies     PASSIFLORACEAE - Passionflowers

PHYLLANTACEAE     PHYTOLACCACEAE - Pokeweed     PINACEAE - Pines     PIPERACEAE - Pepper

PLANTAGINACEAE - Plantains (not related to the Banana)

POACEAE (or GRAMINEAE) - Grasses   including Bamboo, Rice, Corn

PODOCARPACEAE - Podocarpus     POLEMONIACEAE - Phloxes     POLYGALACEAE - Milkworts

POLYGONACEAE - Buckwheats   including Seagrape, Dzidzilache Honey (Mayan)

POLYPODIACEAE - Polypod Ferns     PONTEDERIACEAE - Water Hyacinth, Pickerel-weed

PORTULACACEAE - Purslanes PRIMULACEAE - Primrose PROTEACEAE - Macadamia and allies

PSILOTACEAE - fern-like plants (without roots and true leaves) RHAMNACEAE - Buckthorns

RHIZOPHORACEAE - Mangroves and allies includes Tea Mangrove RUPPIACEAE - Ditch Grass

ROSACEAE - Rose RUBIACEAE - Madders including Coffee, Psychotria elata ("Hot Lips")

RUTACEAE - Citrus, or Rue includes Lime, Sour Orange, Shaddock, Sweet Lime, Sweet Orange

SALICACEAE - Willows     SANTALACEAE - Sandalwoods (includes VISCACEAE, Mistletoes)

SAPINDACEAE - Soapberry family   includes Akee (or Aki), Guarana

SAPOTACEAE - Sapote plants   includes Star Apple, Chicle, Yellow Sapote (or Eggfruit)

SCROPHULARIACEAE - Snapdragons, or Figworts     SIMAROUBACEAE     SMILACACEAE - Greenbriers

SOLANACEAE - Nightshades   includes Cayenne Pepper, various Chiles, Tomatillo, Tomato

STERCULIACEAE - Cacao plants   includes Cacao (or Cocoa)     SURIANACEAE

THEOPHRASTACEAE (often placed in PRIMULACEAE)     THYMELACEAE - Daphne

TURNERACEAE (included in PASSIFLORACEAE)      TYPHACEAE - Cattail

URTICACEAE - Nettles   including Cecropias

VERBENACEAE - Vervains, Verbanas   includes Lantana, Mexican Oregano

VIOLACEAE - Violets     VITACEAE - Grape     ZAMIACEAE - Cone-palm Ferns

ZINGIBERACEAE - Ginger ZYGOPHYLLACEAE - Caltrop includes Jamaican Feverplant

AN ALPHABETICAL DIRECTORY OF PLANT GENERA IN THIS WEBSITE NOTING FAMILIES

A Photo Gallery of Plants during a FONT Tour in the Dominican Republic
with some of the photographed plants not identified. If you can ID any, we'd greatly appreciate.

A Photo Gallery of Plants during some FONT Tours in Ecuador
with some of the photographed plants not identified. If you can ID any, we'd greatly appreciate.

Codes:

BR: in Brazil    BZ: in Belize    CR: in Costa Rica    CY: in the Cayman Islands    DR: in the Dominican Republic
EC: in Ecuador    GU: in Guatemala    JM: in Jamaica    MX: in Mexico    MX(YU): in the Yucatan area of Mexico
PE: in Peru    PN: Panama    PR: Puerto Rico

(ph): species with a photo in the FONT web-site

In this list, Spanish names follow the letter S: Portuguese names follow the letter P:

Another code throughout the list here, (TPCR:xx), refers to pages with a photograph of the particular species
in the book "Tropical Plants of Costa Rica, A Guide to Native and Exotic Flora" by Willow Zuchowski, with photographs by Turid Forsyth, 2007.

Other Links:

Information about Upcoming FONT Birding & Nature Tours:
in the Caribbean in Central America in South America (Brazil and Ecuador)

or by month in: 2015 2016 or: by geographic locations worldwide

Lists and Photo Galleries in this Website of Other Nature:

Birds in: the Caribbean Central America South America (Brazil) South America (Ecuador)

A List and Photo Gallery of Hummingbirds in 2 parts

Mammals: the Caribbean Central America South America

Butterflies and Moths in: the Caribbean Central America South America

Other Lists and Photo Galleries in this website relating to Plants:

Tropical Plants on West Indian Islands in the Caribbean

Orchids of the Americas Fruiting Plants and Others in Brazil

Wildflowers & Other Plants in Texas

Desert Plants of the Southwest US & northern Mexico

Wildflowers & Other Plants in Eastern North America, a list in 2 parts

Northern Plants in Alaska, Iceland, & the mountains of Hokkaido, Japan
(with some notes about medicinal and edible plants)

Links to Other Lists & Photo Galleries of Plants Directory of Photos in this Website

Books that have been sources for this list include:
"Aves Brasileiras e Plantas que as Atraem" by Johan Dalgas Frisch and Christian Dalgas Frisch, 2005
"Botanica's Pocket Orchids" by various authors, 2007 (with over 1200 species listed)
"Brazil, Amazon and Pantanal - the Ecotraveler's Wildlife Guide" by David Pearson and Les Beletsky, 2002
"Brazilian Fruits and Cultivated Exotics" by Harri Lorenzi, Luis Bacher, Marco Lacerda, Sergio Sartori, 2006
"Butterflies, Moths, and Other Invertebrates of Costa Rica, a Field Guide" by Carrol Henderson, 2010
"The Butterflies of Hispaniola" by Albert Schwartz, 1989.
"Fruits and Vegetables of the Caribbean" by M Bourne, G. Lennox and S. Seddon, 2006
"Hispaniola" by Eladio Fernandez, 2007
"Hummingbirds, a Life-size Guide to Every Species" by Michael Fogden, Marianne Taylor, and Sheri Williamson, 2014
"A Naturalist in Costa Rica" by Alexander Skutch, 1971
"Threatened Plants of the Cayman Islands - the Red List" by Frederic Burton, 2008.
"Tropical Plants of the World" by Jens Rohwer, 2002
"Yucatan, Recipes from a Culinary Expedition" by David Sterling, 2014

About 50 color illustrations in this 3-part list are from the book "Flowers of Guatemala" by Carol Rogers Chickering.
Most of the illustrations were done about 50 years ago in 1964-1965. The book was published in 1973.

Another book that has been a valuable source for information here is "Tropical Plants of Costa Rica, A Guide to Native and Exotic Flora" by Willow Zuchowski, with photographs by Turid Forsth, 2007.
As noted above, the code (TPCR:xx) in this list refers to pages with a photograph of a particular plant.

     A List of Tropical Plants of the Americas, Part 1:


       Family ACANTHACEAE (Acanthus)

        Genus APHELANDRA

Aphelandra scabra ______ CR (TPCR:74) occurs from southern Mexico to northern South America, also in the West Indies

Aphelandra scabra was previously known as Aphelandra deppeana.

The flowers of Aphelandra scabra are pollinated by various short-billed hummingbirds, while most Aphelandra species in Central America are visited by the long-billed hummingbirds known as hermits.
Aphelandra schiediana (ph) ______ GU

Aphelandra schiediana,
from the "Flowers of Guatemala"

Genus ASISTASIA

Plants in ASISTASIA are attractive to feeding hummingbirds, in Brazil.

Genus AVICENNIA (was said to be in a family AVICENNIACEAE)
Avicennia germinas (*) ______ BR CR CY (TPCR:341) (endangered in CY)
Black Mangrove
S: Palo de Sal

The Black Mangrove occurs from Mexico to South America and in the West Indies. Also it is in west Africa.

Mangroves, or Mangles in Spanish, are a group of unrelated woody plants that grow along tropical coasts.
They generally occur in physical habitats that in temperate regions would be occupied by salt marshes.
"Mangrove" is not a precise taxonomic classification. Generally any tree that grows directly from a subtidal or intertidal substrate may be termed a mangrove.

The Red Mangrove and the Tea Mangrove are in a different family, RHIZOPHORACEAE.
The White Mangrove and Buttonwood Mangrove are in the family COMBRETACEAE.

Genus BELOPERONE

Plants in BELOPERONE are attractive to feeding hummingbirds, in Brazil.

Genus BLECHUM

Female Malachite butterflies lay single eggs on new leaves of plants in this genus.
Blechum blechum ______ CR
Blechum brownei ______ CR
Blechum pyramidatum ______ CR

Genus BRAVAISIA
Bravaisia integerrima ______ CR

Genus HYPOESTES
Hypoestes phyllostachya ______ CR (TPCR:108) originally from Africa
Polka-dot Plant
S: Sarampion

In Costa Rica, Hypoestes phyllostachya is cultivated in yards, but sometimes it spreads into partially shaded, disturbed areas.

Genus JACOBINIA
Jacobinia umbrosa (ph) ______ GU
S: Monte de Oro

Jacobinia umbrosa is a beautiful shrub, either in the wild or in gardens. In full bloom in Guatemala in the autumn, the shrub is covered with thick racemes of a brilliant, rich yellow.

Jacobinia umbrosa,
from the "Flowers of Guatemala"

Genus JUSTICIA

In Central America, plants in JUSTICIA, and some other genera in ACANTHACEAE, are fed upon for their nectar by hummingbird, the Violet Sabrewing, Campylopterus hemileucurus.
Justicia aurea ______ CR (TPCR:283)
Justicia brandegeana ______ (native to Mexico)
False Hop (or "Mexican Shrimp Plant") (an herbaceous plant)
S: Cola de Camaron
Justicia candalerianae ______ CR

Female Malachite butterflies lay single eggs on new leaves of Justicia candalerianae and Justicia carthaginensis (the next plant in this list).

the Malachite butterfly
Justicia carthaginensis ______ CR
Justicia carnea ______ BR (native to Brazil)
Brazilian Plume Flower (a bush with simple, alternate leaves)
S: Isopo Rojizo, or Tango Rojizo

Genus MEGASKEPASMA
Megaskepasma erythrochlamys ______ CR (TPCR:109)
Brazilian Red Cloak

The common English name notwithstanding, Megaskepasma erythrochlamys is originally from Venezuela.

Genus ODONTONEMA

In Costa Rica, plants in the genus ODONTONEMA are host plants for the caterpillar of the butterfly Chlosyne janais, the Crimson-patch Checkerspot, or Giant Patch.
Odontonema strictum ______ BR

When in bloom, Odontonema strictum is especially attractive to feeding hummingbirds.

Genus PACHYSTACHYS
Pachystachys lutea ______ BR CR (TPCR:110) native to Peru
Golden Shrimp Plant
P: Camarao Amarelo
S: Olotillo

Pachystachys lutea is especially attractive to feeding hummingbirds.

Genus POIKILACANTHUS
Poikilacanthus macranthus ______ CR (TPCR:283)

Genus RAZISEA
Razisea spicata ______ CR (TPCR:282) occurs from Nicaragua to Peru
S: Pavon de Montana, or Pavoncillo Rojo

Razisea spicta is visited by various long-billed hummingbirds. One hummingbird in particular, in Costa Rica, the Stripe-tailed Hummingbird, gets nectar by piercing the base of the flower.

Genus RUELLIA

Female Malachite butterflies lay single eggs on new leaves of plants in this genus.
Ruellia coccinea ______ CR
Ruellia metallica ______ CR

Genus SANCHEZIA
Sanchezia nobilis ______ EC (native to Ecuador)
Sanchezia (a bush with simple, alternate leaves)

Sanchezia nobilis is especially attractive to feeding hummingbirds.

Genus STENOSTEPHANUS
Stenostephanus blepharorbachis ______ CR (TPCR:283)

Genus THUNBERGIA
Thunbergia grandiflora ______ CR (TPCR:111) originally from India, now in tropical areas around the world
Sky Vine
S: Emperatriz Eugenia

Family ADOXACEAE

Genus VIBURNUM previously included in CAPRIFOLIACEAE, the Honeysuckle Family
Viburnum costaricanum ______ CR

Viburnum costaricanum and Viburnum venustum are host plants for the butterfly Adelpha tracta, the Tracta Sister.
Viburnum venustum ______ CR

Family AGAVACEAE (Agaves)

Genus AGAVE
Agave americana ______ (native to Central America)
American Aloe (or "Century Plant") (an herbaceous plant)
S: Maguey, or Pita Comun
Agave antillarum (*) ______ DR
S: Maguey
Agave caymanensis (*) ______ CY (endemic to the Cayman Islands) (vulnerable)

Genus FURCRAEA
Furcraea cabuya (var. cabuya) ______ CR (TPCR:76,77) occurs from Mexico to Panama
Cabuya
S: Cabuya

In Costa Rica, Furcraea cabuya is found on the Pacific side of the country on dry, rocky ridges and cliffs near steep river canyons, from approximately 150 to 4,500 feet above sea level.

Genus YUCCA (T/W)

Yucca
(photo by Doris Potter)
Yucca gigantea (or Yucca elephantipes, or Yucca guatemalensis) (ph) ______ CR GU native to eastern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and south to Costa Rica
Elephant Yucca, or Spineless Yucca (a giant-rosette plant)
S: Isote, or Itabo

Elephant Yucca, Yucca gigantea,
from the "Flowers of Guatemala"

Family AIZOACEAE (Fig-marigold, or Carpetweed)

Genus SESUVIUM
Sesuvium portulacastrum ______ DR

In the Dominican Republic, Sesuvium portulacastrum is a food plant for the butterfly Brephidium exilis, the Western Pygmy Blue.

Family ALISMATACEAE (Water-plantains)

Genus LIMNOCHARIS
Limnocharis flava ______ (native to South America)
Sawah Flowering Rush
S: Cebolla de Chucho, or Hoja de Buitre

Genus SAGITTARIA
Sagittaria lancifolia ______ CY

Family ALSTROEMERIACEAE

Genus BOMAREA
Bomarea hirsuta ______ CR (TPCR:306)   occurs from Costa Rica to Ecuador, from 5,400 to 10,500 ft above sea level
S: Bomarea

Family AMARANTHACEAE

AMARANTHACEAE is closely related to CHENOPODIACEAE, the Goosefoots, with the latter said now to be a subfamily

Genus BLUTAPARON
Blutaparon vermiculare ______ CY

Genus DYSPHANIA
Dysphania ambrosioides ______ MX(YU)
Mexican Tea (or Wormseed, or Goosefoot, or Skunkweed)
S: Epazote, or Apazote

Epazote, as it is called in Mexico, is a pungent bitter herb with a taste and smell that has been likened variously to citrus, mint, bleach, or turpentine.
The plant originated in Central America and in central and southern Mexico. It has been used for centuries throughout Mesoamerica to expel parasitic worms from the human body.

Epazote is incorporated into bean dishes for its alleged antiflatulence properties. Additionally, it is other recipes, including those for meat dishes, stews, and quesadillas.
Perhaps nowhere in Mexico is it used more than in the cooking of the Yucatan region, where, most famously, a broth of the herb is mixed with pumpkinseed paste to make the classic Mayan dish called Papadzules.
(from the book: "Yucatan, Recipes from a Culinary Expedition" by David Sterling)

Genus GOMPHRENA
Gomphrena globosa ______ (native to the tropical Western Hemisphere)
Bachelor's Button (or Globe Amaranth) (an herbaceous plant)
S: Lazo de Amor

Genus LITHOPHILA
Lithophila muscoides ______ CY

Family AMARYLLIACEAE (Amaryllis)

Genus SPREKELIA
Sprekelia formosissima (ph) ______ GU
Aztec Lily
S: Amacayo

The Aztec Lily, Sprekelia formosissima,
from the "Flowers of Guatemala"

Genus ZEPHYRANTHES
Zephyranthes brevipes (ph) ______ GU
S: Atamasca, or Flor de Mayo

Flor de Mayo, Zeohyranthes brevipes,
from the "Flowers of Guatemala"

Family ANACARDIACEAE (Sumacs)

Genus ANACARDIUM
Anacardium excelsum ______ CR (TPCR:40) occurs in Central America, and in South America south to Ecuador
Wild Cashew
S: Espavel, or Espave, or Acajou
Anacardium giganteum ______ BR
P: Caju Assu

The Caju Assu is a native fruit tree, found in dry land forests and flood plains, mainly in the mid to lower Amazon regions.
Anacardium humile ______ BR
Monkey Nut
P: Cajuzinho

The Monkey Nut is a native fruit bearer on savannas (the cerrado) of central, west-central, and southeast Brazil.
Anacardium microcarpum ______ BR
P: Cajul

The Cajul is a fruit tree native to the scrublands in Brazil of western Bahia, south and central Piaui, Tocantins, and in higher areas that do no flood on Marajo Island and the lower Amazon region.
Anacardium occidentale (*) (ph) ______ BR BZ CR MX(YU) (TPCR:162,163) native to northeast Brazil, but after the 1500s it was dispersed throughout the American tropics, including on Caribbean islands
Cashew (or Cashew Apple, or Cashew Nut) (a tree with simple, alternating leaves)
P: Caju
S: Merey, or Maranon, or Anacardo

The Maranon, as it is called in Spanish, is the fruit that produces the Cashew Nut.
Maranones hang down from the branches of an evergreen tree, and look rather like pears from a distance. But, up close, a kidney-shaped seed can be seen growing on the outside of the fruit.
The leathery outer shell of the seed contains cardol, an oily liquid that is highly caustic and can cause skin ulcers, which is why it is recommended to remove the seed and discard.
Even though it may be tempting to try to extract the cashew, it should be left to "professionals" who have developed a method of roasting the seed in cylinders that collect the caustic but valuable cardol oil. They crack open the seed to release the nut and dry it.

The Maranon fruit is about 3 and a half inches in length, and the nut about one-quarter to one and a quarter inches.
Maranon is yellow-orange to red as it matures, with a peachy floral fragrance. The juicy flesh has a sweet flavor and slight acidity and is quite astringent.
It is generally harvested in Belize, and elsewhere in Central America, from February to May.

In the Yucatan of Mexico, there is a limited production of and market for organic cashews and cashew butter, as they are expensive and remain inaccessible for the majority of the population.
But the fruits are another matter. When they arrive in the market in late February, they quickly sell out. The demand is so high that bushels of fresh fruits are brought in daily during that season.
Once the seeds are plucked off, maranones are eaten as a hand fruit or used to prepare agua fresca.
In other places in the tropics, they may be used to produce liqueurs, sorbets, ice cream, and preserves.
(from the book: "Yucatan, Recipes from a Culinary Expedition" by David Sterling)

In Brazil, the Cashew is native to fields and coastal dunes in the northern part of the country. It is also widely cultivated in that area.

Birds that feed on the Cashew include: thrushes, tanagers, euphonias, parakeets, parrots, and others.

A Maranon fruit of the Cashew tree, photographed during a FONT tour in Belize
(photo by Marie Gardner)

Genus ASTRONIUM
Astronium graveolens ______ CR (TPCR:256, 257) occurs from Mexico to Paraguay
S: Ronron

Genus COMOCLADIA
Comocladia dentata ______ CY
Maiden Plum

Genus MANGIFERA
Mangifera indica ______ CR MX(YU) (TPCR:164) native to India
Mango (a tree with simple, alternating leaves)
S: Mango

The Mango Tree is easily recognized by its dome-shaped crown of dull green leathery leaves growing on a short, thick trunk.
The small green flowers grow in inconspicuous clusters.
Usually the fruit is kidney-shaped, with each fruit hanging down on a long stalk.
When the fruit is ripe, its skin is pinkish or yellowish, lightly flecked with black and brown.
The flesh is yellow-orange and is succulent yet fibrous, especially where it attaches to the single large stone.
Mango is commonly served in the American tropics in breakfast fruit platters and in fruit salad deserts.
On some Caribbean islands, it is cooked as mango pie, mango brown Betty, and even mango mousse.

Genus MAURIA
Mauria heterophylla ______ CR

Genus METOPLUM
Metoplum toxiferum ______ CY (endemic to the Greater Antilles and Caymans) (endangered in CY)
"Poison Tree" (name in CY)

Genus SCHINUS
Schinus molle ______ (native to South America)
Pepper Tree (a tree with leaves pinnately divided)
S: Arbol de Pimienta, or Piru

Genus SPONDIAS
Spondias macrocarpa ______ BR
P: Caja Redondo

The Caja Redondo is a fruit tree, native to the lower, sandy plateaus of the Atlantic Forest in Brazil, in Espiritu Santo, part of Minas Gerais, and southern Bahia. It is not cultivated, and is rare in nature.
Spondias mombin ______ BR CR
Yellow Mombin
P: Tapereba, or Caja Mirim

In Brazil, the Yellow Mombin is a widespread fruit tree, native to the Amazon region and the Atlantic Forest, from Ceara to Rio de Janeiro. It occurs commonly in nature, and is occasionally cultivated,
Spondias purpurea ______ CR MX(YU) (TPCR:213)
Spanish Plum or Hog Plum, or Purple Mombin), or Red Mombin
S: Ciruela, or Jocote

Although the Spanish "Ciruela" translates to "plum", the fruit bears no resemblance to the European plum, and they are not related.
Spondias purpurea is in the same family as the Mango (above).
The Ciruela is oval-shaped and about 1 to 1 and a half inches in diameter. It has a large pit and little flesh.
Depending on the variety, it turns yellow, orange, or red when it matures.
It is native to southern Mexico and Central America.
In the Yucatan region, there is great diversity with, it is said, 32 varieties. Each tree fruits at a different time of year, but the major abundance is from May to September.

When mature, the Ciruela is made into a beverage or included in sorbets.

(from the book: "Yucatan, Recipes from a Culinary Expedition" by David Sterling)
Spondias radikoferi ______ CR
Spondias tuberosa ______ BR
P: Imbu

The Imbu is a fruit tree, native to the semi-arid region of northeast Brazil. It is found in scrublands from Ceara to northern Minas Gerais.
Spondias venulosa ______ BR
P: Caja Grande

The Caja Grande is a fruit tree, rarely cultivated and scarce in nature, native to northern Rio de Janeiro state, southern and eastern Minas Gerais, and Espiritu Santo, and southern Bahia.

Genus TAPIRIRA
Tapirira brenesii ______ CR

Family ANNONACEAE (Custard Apples)

Genus ANAXAGOREA
Anaxagorea crassipetala ______ CR
Anaxagorea phaeocarpa ______ CR

Genus ANNONA
Annona cacans ______ BR
P: Araticum Cagao

The Araticum Cagao is a rarely cultivated fruit tree, native to semi-deciduous forest from Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro south to Rio Grande do Sul.
Annona coriacea ______ BR
P: Araticum Liso, or Marolo

The Aratcum Liso is a fruit tree not yet cultivated, native to scrublands from Bahia to Minas Gerais, Sao Paulo, west to Mato Grosso do Sul where it is common.
Annona crassiflora ______ BR
P: Marolo

The Marolo is a fruit tree not cultivated and common in nature, native to scrublands and cerrados from Bahia to Sao Paulo and west to Mato Grosso do Sul.
Annona glabra ______ BR
Pond Apple
P: Araticum de Brejo

The Pond Apple is a fruit tree, no cultivated and common in nature, native to nearly all of the Brazilian coast.
Annona holosericea ______ CR
Annona montana ______ BR
Mountain Soursop
P: Araticum-acu

In Brazil, the Mountain Soursop is a native fruit tree, only cultivated in home orchards, mainly in the Amazon region, by indigenous people.
It is also native in northern South America (in Brazil and other countries), and in some of the West Indies.
Annona muricata (*) (ph) ______ BR CR DR MX(YU) (TPCR:166)   native to the American tropics
Soursop (a tree with simple, alternating leaves)
S: Guanabana, or Guanaba, or Graviola

The Soursop Tree is found on many of the Caribbean islands, where its fruit is particularly popular.
It is a fast-growing tree with small, shiny leaves and yellowish-green flowers.
The fruit is large, oval-shaped, and green in color.
Its skin has a distinct spiny surface, and so the fruit is easily recognized in markets and roadside stalls.
Some fruits attain a length of 8 inches, and a weight of 6 pounds is not unusual.
The inside of the fruit is whitish-pink, and the flesh has the consistency of thick custard.
The fruit is seldom cooked. More frequently it is sieved and served as cream, or soursop ice cream. It also made into drinks and sherbet. It retains its flavor even after deep-freezing for a period of time.

One morning during a FONT tour in the Dominican Republic, along a back road
way out in the countryside, we enjoyed some wonderful-tasting Soursop.
Holding one, to the right in the picture, is our Dominican friend, Julio.

On the outside, the Soursop is not attractive. It is bulbous, ovoid, and bumpy, with a splotchy gray-green color, and covered with sharp yet flexible spines.
But on the inside, the fruit can be savored. The white flesh is creamy, sweet yet slightly acidic, and exotically perfumed.
The only negative is that there is a preponderance of black seeds requiring one to have patience while eating.

In the Yucatan region of Mexico, Guanabana, as Soursop is called there, has been cultivated for a very long time.
It has a name in the Mayan language, which is typical only for species that go way back, centuries ago.
Today, in that area, it is common to see Guanabana in family orchards.
Mature fruits are broken open and consumed fresh, either with the fingers or with a spoon.
Liquefied, with water and sugar, it becomes the refreshing drink in that part of Mexico known as Agua Fresca.

(from the book: "Yucatan, Recipes from a Culinary Expedition" by David Sterling)
Annona purpurea ______ CR
Annona reticulata ______ CR MX(YU) (grows on various Caribbean islands and on the Yucatan Peninsula; now cultivated in the tropics globally)
Custard Apple (or Sugar Apple, or Bull's Heart)
S: Anona, or Anona Colorada, or Anona Roja, or Corazon

Annona reticulata acquired its English names due to both its flavor and form: "Custard Apple" describes the flesh's creamy color, smooth texture, and delicately sweet taste. "Bull's Heart" refers to its symmetrical heart shape.
The bulbous, lobed fruit, measuring about 3 to 6 inches wide, contains between 55 and 75 small seeds.
The growing season for Annona reticulata in the Yucatan, and in nearby Belize and Guatemala, is December to March.

In the Yucatan region of Mexico, the mature fruits of the Anona, as it is called there, are consumed fresh,
The pulp may be served with a bit of sugar, or it may be mashed to be put in ice cream, sorbet, or "agua fresca" - a refresher made of water, pureed fruit, and sugar.
(from the book: "Yucatan, Recipes from a Culinary Expedition" by David Sterling)
Annona salzmannii ______ BR
Beach Sugar Apple
Beach Araticum

The Beach Sugar Apple is a fruit bearer, not cultivated, and rare in nature, in its natural habitat, the "restingas" (forest-covered sand dunes) and in the coastal forest zone, in northeastern Brazil
Annona squamosa ______ MX(YU) (native to the tropical Western Hemisphere)
Sweetsop (or Sugar Apple) (a tree with simple, alternating leaves)
P: Fruta do Conde
S: Rinon, or Saramuyo

Genus CYMBOPETALUM
Cymbopetalum costaricense ______ CR

Genus DESMOPSIS
Desmopsis bibracteata ______ CR
Desmopsis maxonii ______ CR
Desmopsis microcarpa ______ CR

Genus DUGUETIA
Duguetia furfuracea ______ BR
P: Marolinho do Cerrado

The Marolinho do Cerrado is a fruit tree, not cultivated, occurring commonly in its natural habitat from Minas Gerais to Rio Grande do Sul. It favors sandy soil of the Atlantic Forest and the semi-deciduous forest of the Parana River basin.
Duguetia lanceolata ______ BR
P: Pindaiba

The Pindaiba is a fruit bearer, not yet cultivated, and common in its natural habitat, from Minas Gerais west to Mato Grosso do Sul and south to Rio Grande do Sul, in sandy soil and semi-deciduous forest.

Genus GUATTERIA
Guatteria aeruginosa ______ CR
Guatteria amplifolia ______ CR
Guatteria consanguinea ______ CR
Guatteria costaricensis ______ CR
Guatteria inuncta _____ CR
Guatteria tonduzii ______ CR
Guatteria verrucosa ______ CR

Genus MONODORA
Monodora myristica ______ (native to tropical Africa, now on Caribbean islands)
Calabash Nutmeg (with simple, alternating leaves)

Genus PORCELIA
Porcelia macrocarpa ______ BR
Monkey Banana
P: Banana de Macao

The Monkey Banana is not cultivated and is rare in nature. It is native in Brazil from Minas Gerais south to Rio Grande do Sul, in the Atlantic Forest and the semi-deciduous forest of the Parana River basin.

Genus ROLLINIA
Rollinia emarginata ______ BR
Corosul
P: Araticum Mirim

The Corosul is a fruit tree that is seldom cultivated and uncommon in nature. It is native to sandy areas (restingas) in southern Brazil.
Rollinia microsepala ______ CR
Rollinia mucosa ______ BR
Wild Soursop (or Wild Cashina)
P: Biriba

The Biriba is a fruit tree that is widely cultivated in domestic orchards, mainly in the Amazon region.
It also occurs in Brazil in the Atlantic Forest, from Pernambuco south to Rio d Janeiro.
Rollinia sylvatica ______ BR
P: Araticum do Mato

The Araticum do Mato is a fruit tree rarely cultivated, but relatively common in its natural habitat. It occurs from Pernambuco south to Minas Gerais and west to Mato Grosso do Sul, and as far south as Rio Grande do Sul, in the Atlantic Forest, semi-deciduous forest, high forest, and costal sandy areas (restingas).

Genus SAPRANTHUS
Sapranthus palanga ______ CR
"Costa Rica Stinking Flower"
S: Palanco, or Guineo

Sapranthus palanga is a small to moderately-sized annonaceous tree that bears cauliflorous flowers on its main trunk. The flowers are pollinated by flies and smell like decaying organic matter (in other words, badly - they stink).
The flowers are light green when they are maturing. They are a dark purple when mature (in the mid-rainy season, August-September)..
The species ranges from Mexico to Panama. In Costa Rica, it is in Guanacaste.

The densely tomentose large leaves of Sapranthus palanga are fed on by the larvae of several species of sphinx moths, and larvae of at least two species of swallowtail butterflies in the genus Eurytides.
The leaves of Sapranthus palanga are generally rejected by leaf-cutter ants.

Genus UNONOPSIS
Unonopsis pittieri ______ CR

Genus XYLOPIA
Xylopia sericophylla ______ CR

Family APIACEAE (Parsley, or Celery family)

includes UMBELLIFERAE

Included in the family are: celery, cumin, fennel, carrots, and parsley

Genus CENTELLA
Centella asiatica ______ CY

Genus CICLOSPERMUM (has been APIUM)
Ciclospermum leptophyllum ______ CR

Ciclospermum leptophyllum and Foeniculum vulgare (below in this list) are host plants in Costa Rica and Panama for the subspecies of the Black Swallowtail occurring there, Papilio polyxenes stabilis.

Genus CORIANDRUM
Coriandrum sativum ______ MX(YU) (native to the Old World, from Europe; used in cooking in the Americas)
Cilantro (or Coriander)
S: Cilantro

Cilantro is a herb that is widely used in the cuisine of all of Mexico, lending a characteristically light, refreshing flavor.
In some places in Mexico, it is still called, as it was historically, "Culantro", an old Spanish word, but it should not be confused with Eryngium foetidum (below), a native plant of Mexico also known as Culantro.
Referring to Cilantro in the Yucatan region of Mexico, a colonial-era chronicle mentions it but uses the archaic word:
"There are in this land, plants brought from outside, such as garlic, mint, and culantro, parsley, and mustard".
The statement indicates that "Culantro" was the name applied to Coriandrum sativum, which was brought from "the outside" as Eryngium foetidum is native.
(from the book "Yucatan, Recipes from a Culinary Expedition" by David Sterling)

Genus DAUCUS
Daucus sp. ______ DR

In the Dominican Republic, Daucus species are food plants for the butterfly Strymon bazochii, the Lantana Scrub-Hairstreak.

Genus ERYNGIUM
Eryngium foetidum ______ MX(YU)
Sawtooth Coriander (or Long Coriander, or Mexican Coriander, or Spiritweed)
S: Culantro, or Perejil Criollo

Culantro is one of those wonderful ingredients native to the Tropical Americas that has been dispersed throughout the world after European contact, forever impacting global cuisines.
Today, Culantro is one of the most important flavorings in Asia in the cuisines of Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam.
In the Western Hemisphere, Culantro is a primary component in the sofritos of Puerto Rico.
It is rarely if ever consumed in the northern lowlands of the Mayan region, including the Yucatan, but it is of some importance in the Peten area of Guatemala and in the Mexican state of Tabasco, areas more favorable to is growth.

The two herbs of Culantro and Cilantro (above) have a rather similar flavor and aroma, but that of Culantro is much stronger and longer lasting.
Culantro has long, spiked leaves while Cilantro has rounded, convoluted leaves.

In the regions where Culantro grows, it is used in soups, stews, and salads, as well as in Tabasco some popular table salsas.
(from the book: "Yucatan, Recipes from a Culinary Expedition" by David Sterling)

Genus FOENICULUM
Foeniculum vulgare ______ CR
Fennel

See note above with Ciclospermum.

Genus MYRRHIDENDRON
Myrrhidendron donnellsmithii ______ CR (TPCR:307) occurs from southern Mexico to Panama
S: Arracachillo

Family APOCYNACEAE (Dogbanes)

Genus ALLAMANDA
Allamanda cathartica ______ CR (TPCR:114) native to northeastern South America, now an ornamental elsewhere in the tropics
Buttercups or Yellow Allamanda, or Golden Trumpet (a climbing plant with simple opposite leaves)
S: Amanda, or Copa de Oro, or Bejuco de San Jose (in Costa Rica)

Genus AMBELANIA
Ambelania acida ______ BR
P: Pepino do Mato

The Pepino do Mato is a fruit tree rarely cultivated, but easily found in its natural habitat in the dry forest of the Lower Amazon region.

Genus ASPIDOSPERMA
Aspidosperma megalocarpon ______ CR

Genus CASCABELA
Cascabela thevetia ______ CR (TPCR:115)
Yellow Oleander
S: Chirca

Cascabela thevetia is now an ornamental from the southern US to South America. It appears to be growing as a native plant in second-growth in spiny forest in Mexico and in some inter-Andean valleys in Peru. It sometimes escapes from cultivation.
In Costa Rica, it occurs from 300 to 3,600 feet above sea level.

Genus COUMA
Couma utilis ______ BR
Brazilian Sorva
P: Sorvinha

The Brazilian Sorva is a fruit tree of the Amazon region, rarely cultivated but commonly found in forests and open fields in its natural range.

Genus ECHNITES
Echnites umbellata ______ CY
White Nightshade

Genus FUNASTRUM
Funastrum clausum ______ DR
White Twinevine

Funastrum clausum is a climbing plant with white flowers, in lowland xeric habitat.

In the Dominican Republic, Funastrum clausum is a food plant for the butterflies: Danaus gilippus, the Queen. Danaus eresimus, the Soldier. At such plants, D. eresimus seems to far outnumber D. gilippus.

Genus HANCORNIA
Hancornia speciosa ______ BR
P: Mangaba

The Mangaba is a fruit tree native to scrublands (the caatinga) of central Brazil, and other areas in the country having the same vegetation. It is rarely cultivated, but easily found in its native habitat.
Hancornia speciosa (var. pubescens) ______ BR
P: Mangaba do Cerrado

The Mangaba do Cerrado is a fruit tree native to savannas (cerrdos) in central Brazil, and other areas in the country having the same vegetation. It is rarely cultivated, and easily found in its natural habitat.

Genus LACMELLEA
Lacmellea panamensis ______ CR

Genus MANDEVILLA
Mandevilla splendens ______ (originally grew in southeastern Brazil)
Pink Mandevilla (climbing plant with simple, opposite leaves)

Genus PENTALINON
Pentalinon luteum ______ CY (endemic to the West Indies)
Yellow Nightshade

Genus PLUMERIA
Plumeria rubra ______ CR GU (TPCR:329,330) (native from Mexico to Colombia, and in the West Indies)
Frangipani (or Temple Tree) (a bush with simple, alternating leaves)
S: Amipola, or El Palo de la Cruz, or Juche
Plumeria obtusa ______ CY (endemic to the Greater Antilles and Cayman Islands) (endangered in CY)
Jasmine

Genus RAUVOLFIA
Rauvolfia nitida ______ CY (endemic to the Greater Antilles and Cayman Islands) (critically endangered in CY)
Rauvolfia purpurascens ______ CR

Genus RHABDADENIA
Rhabdadenia biflora ______ CY

Genus STEMMADENIA
Stemmadenia alfari ______ CR
Stemmadenia donnell-smithii ______ CR
S: Huevos de Caballo, or Cojones de Chancho
Stemmadenia glabra ______ CR
Stemmadenia macrantha ______ CR
Stemmadenia obovata ______ CR

Genus TABERNAEMONTANA
Tabernaemontana arborea ______ CR
Tabernaemontana chrysocarpa ______ CR
Tabernaemontana laurifolia ______ CY (nearly endemic to the Cayman Islands) (endangered)
Wild Jasmine

Genus THEVETIA
Thevetia ovata ______ CR
Thevetia peruviana ______ (originally grew in the tropical Western Hemisphere)
Be-still Tree (or Yellow Oleander) (bush with simple, alternating leaves)
S: Adelfa Amarilla

Family APODANTHACEAE (some endoparasitic herbs)

Genus PILOSTYLES
Pilostyles globosa (var. caymanensis) ______ CY (endemic to the Caymans)

Family ARACEAE (Aroids)

Genus ANTHURIUM
Anthurium andraeanum ______ (native to Colombia)
Flamingo Lily (herbaceous plant)
S: Cresta de Gallo, or Lengua del Diablo

Genus CALADIUM
Caladium bicolor ______ (native to northern South America)
Heart of Jesus (or "Mother-in-law Plant") (an herbaceous plant)
S: Corazon de Jesus

Genus COLOCASIA
Colocasia esculenta ______ CR (TPCR:168)
Dasheen (an herbaceous perennial plant)

Colocasia esculenta (var. esculenta) ______ grows on Caribbean islands
Eddoe

Colocasia esculenta is originally from southern Asia. It now grows on Caribbean islands; cultivated in Costa Rica.

Genus MONSTERA
Monstera delicioso ______ (native to Central America)
Ceriman (a climbing plant with simple alternating leaves)
P: Banana de Macaco
S: Harpon, or Hojadilio, or Pinanona

Other names for Monstera delicioso are Split Leaf Philodendron and Swiss Cheese Plant.
Monstera tenuis ______ CR
S: Chirravaca, or Mano de Tigre, or Monstera

Genus MONTRICHARDIA
Montrichardia arborescens ______ CR (TPCR:247,248) occurs from Guatemala south to northern South America, also in the West Indies

Genus PHILODENDRON

Taxonomically, the genus PHILODENDRON is still poorly known, with many undescribed species.
Philodendron sp. ______ BR
Philodendron hederaceum ______ CY
Philodendron radiatum ______ CR (TCR:249) occurs from Mexico to Panama
Dubia Philodendron
S: Cobija de Pobre

Genus SPATHIPHYLLUM
Spathiphyllum floribundum ______ native to Panama and Colombia
Peace Lily (a herbaceous plant)

Genus XANTHOSOMA
Xanthosoma sagittifolium ______ CR (TPCR:168) originally from the American tropics
Xanthosoma yucantanense ______ MX(YU)
Elephant Ear
S: Makal, or Malanga

Family ARALIACEAE (Aralias)

Genus DENDROPANAX
Dendropanax albertii-smithii ______ CR
Dendropanax arboreus ______ CR CY (critically endangered in CY)
Galipee (name in CY)
Dendropanax cuneatum ______ BR
P: Maria-Mole

Birds that feed on the fruits of Dendropanax cuneatum include thrushes and tanagers.
Dendropanax gonatopodus ______ CR
Dendropanax praestans ______ CR
Dendropanax stenodonius ______ CR

Genus DIDYMOPANAX
Didymopanax morototoni ______ BR
P: Mandiocao

Birds that feed on the fruits of Didymopanax morototoni are principally toucans, and guans including piping-guans, and the Violaceous Euphonia, and Spot-winged Wood-Quail.
Didymopanax pittieri ______ CR
Didymopanax tremulus ______ DR (endemic to Hispaniola, in clouds forests: Cordillera Central, Bahoruco)
Tremulus Tree
S: Palo de Viento

Genus OREOPANAX
Oreopanax nubigenum ______ CR
Oreopanax oerstedianum ______ CR
Oreopanax salapensis ______ CR

Genus SCHEFFLERA

13 species of SCHEFFLERA grow in Costa Rica.
Schefflera morototoni ______ CR
Schefflera robusta ______ CR (TPCR:284)
Schefflera rodriguesiana ______ CR (TPCR:284) occurs in Costa Rica and Panama
Schefflera
S: Papayillo

Genus SCIADODENDRON
Sciadodendron excelsum ______ CR

Family ARAUCARIACEAE (Araucarias)

Genus ARAUCARIA
Araucaria heterophylla (*) ______ CR (TPCR:119) originally on Norfolk Island east of Australia in the Pacific Ocean, now an ornamental many places in the neotropics and in the Caribbean
Norfolk Island Pine (a coniferous tree)

Family ARECACEAE (was PALMAE) (Palms)

Genus ACROCOMIA
Acrocomia aculeata ______ BR MX(YU) (ranges from southern Mexico to northern Argentina)
Macauba Palm
P: Macauba
S: Cocoyol, or Coyol

Other names for Acrocomia aculeata are Macaw Palm, Coyol Palm and Grugru Palm. It is not a cultivated tree.
It is generally found on barren lands and in semi-deciduous forests.

In markets in the Yucatan region of Mexico, many small, round fruits can be seen bobbing about in dark pools of sugar syrup in colorful plastic tubs . Some of them may be Ciruela or Nance.
Others are Cocoyol, a member of the palm family.
Cocoyol is a favorite treat of children, a "fun food" like jawbreakers.
The nut of the Cocoyol has a thin coating of what seems somewhat like coconut meat covering an extremely hard shell.
The whole nut goes in the mouth, and is chewed and sucked to get off all the sweet flesh, a process that can take hours or even days.
Finally, when none of the meat is left, the children place the nut on a stone and use another stone to smash it open.
Inside is a very hard kernel, resembling a hazelnut, but tastes like coconut - the prize for all the hard work of mastication.

The fruits of the Cocoyol are spherical, from 1 to 1 and a half inches in diameter.
In the Yucatan, Cocoyol fruits are harvested from October to January.
In that area, the hard outer shell is also carved into buttons and beads.
(from the book: "Yucatan , Recipes from a Culinary Expedition" by David Sterling)
Acrocomia sclerocarpa ______ BR
Bocaiuva Palm

Acrocomia sclerocarpa has been (and still is) considered a variety of Acrocomia aculeata, the Macauba Palm (above).
They are often solitary in drier areas. Trunks are occasionally swollen near the middle.
Acrocomia vinifera ______ CR

Genus AIPHANES
Aiphanes aculeata ______ BR
Coyupe Palm
P: Cariota de Espinho

The Coyupe Palm is a fruit bearer, cultivated in some tropical regions in Brazil, as an ornamental. It is not common in its natural habitat, in the western part of the state of Acre, in dry land forests with well-drained soil.

Genus ALLAGOPTERA
Allagoptera arenaria ______ BR
Guriri Palm
P: Buriri

The Guriri Palm is, in Brazil, a native fruit bearer, occasionally cultivated as an ornamental. It is native to the coast (the restingas and coastal beaches) from Sergipe to Parana, and relatively common.

Genus ASTEROGYNE
Asterogyne martiana ______ CR

Genus ASTROCARYUM
Astrocaryum aculeatum (or tucuma) (*) ______ BR
Tucuman Palm
P: Tucuma, or Tucuma do Amazonas

The Tucuman Palm is, in Brazil, native to Amazon dry forests, south to Mato Grosso and west to Acre and Rondonia. It is relatively common. It is not cultivated.
Astrocaryum alatum ______ CR
Astrocaryum murumuru (*) ______ BR
P: Murumuru

The Murumuru is not a cultivated fruit tree. It is relatively common in nature, in areas of the Amazon forest that are temporarily flooded and in dry forest in the Barzilian states of Para, Amazonas, Acre, and Rondonia.
It is a solitary or cespitose palm from 6 to 45 feet tall.
Astrocaryum standleyanum ______ CR
Astrocaryum vulgare (*) ______ BR
Fiber Palm
P: Tucuma do Para

The Fiber Palm is not a cultivated tree. It is abundant in nature, in dryland forests in Brazil in Para, Maranhao, and Tocantins, mainly in sandy soils and disturbed areas.

Genus ATTALEA
Attalea dubia (*) ______ BR
P: Indaia

Attalea dubia is not cultivated, and it is abundant in it natural habitat in Brazil in the Atlantic Forest, from Espiritu Santo south to Santa Catarina, mainly in the littoral plains and in disturbed areas.

Genus BACTRIS
Bactris ferruginea ______ BR
P: Mane Vein

Bactris ferruginea is native in Brazil in the Atlantic Forest from Pernambuco to southern Bahia. It is not cultivated, and easily found in nature.
Bactris gasipaes ______ CR (grows in tropical America, origin unknown; ranges now Nicaragua to Bolivia)
Pejibaye Palm (also called Peach Palm) (a feather palm tree)
P: Pupunha
S: Chontas, or Pejibaye

Although the range of Bactris gasipaes is, as noted above, from Nicaragua to Bolivia, only in Costa Rica, and to a lesser extent, in Panama, is the delicious fruit from this palm a popular food item.
During the wet season in Costa Rica, it is common to see the small, reddish palm fruits of the Pejibaye Palm for sale at the market and along the streets of San Jose.
Bactris guinensis ______ CR
Bactris hondurensis ______ CR

Bactris honedurensis has been found to be a host plant for the rare brassoline nymphalid butterfly, Opsiphanes zelotes.
Bactris longiseta ______ CR
Bactris major ______ CR
Bactris maraja (*) ______ BR
P: Maraja

The Maraja is not cultivated, and abundant in nature, in dry land forests or areas that are temporarily flooded in the Amazon region.
Bactris porschiana ______ CR
Bactris setosa (*) ______ BR
Jucum Palm
P: Jucum

The Jucum Palm is not cultivated. It is common in nature, in the understory of the Atlantic Forest, from southern Bahia to Rio Grand do sul, mainly in damp soils or swampy areas.

Genus BORASSUS
Borassus flabellifer ______ (native to southern Asia, now widespread in the American tropics)
Lontar Palm (a fan palm tree)

Genus BUTIA
Butia capitata (*) ______ BR
Jelly Palm
P: Butia Azedo

The Jelly Palm is not cultivated nor is it common in nature. It occurs naturally in savannas and barren lands in Brazil in western Bahia, northwestern Minas Gerais, and northeastern Goias.
It is a solitary palm, about 12 to 15 feet tall.
Butia eriospatha (*) ______ BR
Woolly Jelly Palm
P: Butia Veludo

The Woolly Jelly Palm is a fruit bearer that is widely cultivated in hilly regions in southern Brazil, where it is native to areas with Araucaria forests, and where it is still common.
It is a solitary palm, about 12 to 15 feet tall.
Butia purpurascens ______ BR
Purple Yatay Palm
P: Butia Jatai

The Purple Yatay Palm is not cultivated and it is seriously threatened in its natural habitat of semi-deciduous forest and savannas in Brazil in southern Goias and southwestern Minas Gerais.
It is a solitary palm, about 3 to 12 feet tall.

Genus CALYPTROGYNE
Calyptrogyne sarapiquensis ______ CR

Genus CHAMAEDOREA
Chamaedorea exorrhiza ______ CR

Genus COCCOTHRINAX
Coccothrinax proctorii ______ CY (endemic to the Cayman Islands) (endangered)
Silver Thatch
Coccothrinax spissa (*) ______ DR (endemic to Hispaniola, in Peravia province)
S: Guanito de Paya, or Guanito de Bani
Coccothrinax scoparia ______ DR (occurs in the Sierra de Bahoruco)

Genus COCOS
Cocos nucifera (*) ______ BR CR MX(YU) (native to the tropics by the western Pacific Ocean)
Coconut Palm (a feather palm tree)
S: Coco

The Coconut is one of the most used plants in the world, and every part of it is used. It produces a beverage, fiber, food, fuel, and even utensils.
The edible part of the fruit measures about 4 to 6 inches in diameter.
Generally, where it grows, the Coconut is available year-round.

An impressive sight in the markets of the Yucatan of Mexico are the numerous burlap bags filled to overflowing with hairy coconuts.
And always nearby there is someone ready to wield a machete, to hack away at the hard exterior to expose the sweet meat inside.
In the Yucatan, the meat of the Coconut is consumed with a sprite of lime juice and a sprinkle of ground chile.
Whole peeled Coconuts are stacked on ice, with a straw penetrating a small hole at the top and into the coconut water inside, sold as a refreshing drink.
Many deserts feature Coconut, such as Pay de Coco, or Coconut Macaroon Pie, and Pastelitos, fruit-filled crescent pastries.
(from the book: "Yucatan, Recipes from a Culinary Expedition" by David Sterling.

The Coconut Palm tree grows to from 15 to 60 feet tall. The trunk is irregularly ringed.

During an early FONT tour in the Caribbean, we had a local guide who called himself Sir Walter Raleigh.
As part of our breakfast, he had coconuts for us in the trunk of his car.
As he held the Coconut in one hand, he would cut it using a machete in his other hand.

Genus COPERNICIA
Copernicia alba (*) ______ BR
Carunda Palm

The Carunda Palm is the dominant tree in the palm savannah areas of the Pantanal in Brazil. They are often surrounded by extensive grassy areas.
Copernicia berteroana (*) ______ DR (in the Dominican Republic, near Lake Enriquillo)
S: La Palmera Yarey
Copernicia macroglossa ______ (said to be originally from Cuba)
Petticoat Palm (a fan palm tree)

Genus CRYOSOPHILA
Cryosophila albiba ______ CR
Cryosophila guagara ______ CR
Fan Palm (a fan palm tree)
S: Guagara

Genus DESMONCUS more study is needed of this genus in the American tropics
Desmoncus schippii ______ CR (TPCR:249) occurs from Belize to Costa Rica
S: Matamba

Desmoncus schippii has been found to be a host plant for the rare brassoline nymphalid butterfly, Opsiphanes zelotes.

Genus ELAEIS
Elaeis guineensos ______ CR (native to west Africa)
Oil Palm (a feather palm tree)
S: Palma de Aceite
Elaeis melanococca ______ CR

Genus EUTERPE
Euterpe edulis ______ BR
Jussara Palm
P: Jucara, or Palmito Duce

The Jussara Palm is a fruit bearer that is seldom cultivated, and seriously threatened in its natural habitat, the Atlantic Forest in Brazil from southern Bahia and Minas Gerais south to Rio Grande do Sul.
It is also in gallery forest of the Parana River basin, and Mato Grosso do Sul (and in parts of Goias, Sao Paulo, and Parana).
Euterpe macrospadis ______ CR
Euterpe oleracea (*) ______ BR
Assai Palm
P: Acai do Para

The Assai Palm is a fruit bearer that is occasionally cultinvated. It is native in Brazil in the states of para, Tocantins, Maranhao, and Amapa, all in the Amazonian region. It occurs in fertile forests, both wet and dry, where the trees grow in large colonies.
Euterpe precatoria (*) ______ BR
Forest Assai Palm
P: Acai da Mata

The Forest Assai Palm is not cultivated. It is native in Brazil to the states of Acre, Amazonas, Para, and Rondonia, all in the Amazonian region, where it occurs in damp forests and near rivers, and in areas taht are periodically flooded. It grows to from 12 to 60 feet tall.

Genus GEONOMA
Geonoma ferruginea ______ CR
Geonoma interrupta ______ CR
Geonoma longevaginata ______ CR
Geonoma seleri ______ CR

Genus IRIARTEA
Iriartea gigantea ______ CR

Genus MANICARIA
Manicaria saccifera ______ CR (TPCR:250)
Sea Coconut
S: Silico

Manicaria saccifera occurs along the Caribbean coast in Central America, along the northern Pacific coast in South America, and in part of the Amazon region.

The fruit seed, which can float for two years, has been carried to Europe by the Gulf Stream.

Genus MAURITIA
Mauritia flexuosa (*) ______ BR
Mauritia Palm (a fan palm tree)
P: Buriti, or Miriti

Other names for Mauritia flexuosa are Moriche Palm and Buriti Palm.

Mauritia flexuosa is not cultivated. It is common in Brazil in its natural habitat in all of the Amazon region, and in all of central Brazil south to the states of Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais, occurring in damp gallery forests by rivers and in areas that are periodically, or seasonally inundated by water.

Buriti Palms are important trees in parts of Brazil for the large, spectacular, and endangered Hyacinth Macaw, as are some other palm trees listed here, including:
in the Pantanal of Brazil, Acrocomia sclerocarpa (above), and Scheelea phalerata (below).
in the Amazonian region: Astrocaryum tucuma (above), Maximiliana regia (below), Orbignya martina (below).

The diet of the Hyacinth Macaw consists primarily of the locally available nuts of these various palms noted here.
The palm nuts are taken from the plant, or on the ground - with the latter sometimes as undigested remains in cattle droppings.
Also, the macaws drink fluid from unripe palm fruits.
The nests of Hyacinth Macaws are in hollow palm trees, including Mauritia flexuosa.
In the northern part of the bird's range, it also nests in Enterolobium cyclocarpum, the large Earpod Tree, in the family FABACEAE.

During a FONT tour in the southern Pantanal region, in Mato Grosso do Sul, we stayed at a remote lodge where we had some wonderful experiences the big Hyacinth Macaw, the largest of all the psittacids in the world.
We observed them both near and further away, as "in the wild" they were sometimes at a distance.
But others we saw closely as the birds fed on palm nuts, that had been gathered from local trees and then placed on a large feeding tray, by the restaurant where we ate our own meals.

A Hyacinth Macaw photographed during
a FONT tour in Brazil

Genus MAXIMILIANA
Maximiliana maripa (*) ______ BR
P: Inaja

Maximiliana maripa is not cultivated. However, it is abundant in nature, occurring in Brazil in all of the Amazon region and south to Mato Grosso do Sul. It is found in dry land forests and open areas.
Maximiliana regia ______ BR

Genus OENOCARPUS
Oenocarpus bacaba (*) ______ BR
Bacaba Palm (or Turu Palm)
P: Bacaba Assu

The Bacaba, or Turu Palm is not cultivated, but it is abundant in its natural habitat, in Brazil, in teh states of Acre, Amazonas, and Para in areas of dry land tropical forests.
Oenocarpus batana ______ BR
P: Pataua

Oenocarpus batana is not cultivated. In nature, it is easily found in damp flood plain forests and gallery forests that can be flooded, as well as in dry land forests, throughout the Amazon region.
Oenocarpus distichus ______ BR
P: Bacaba de Leque

Not cultivated, Oenocarpus distichus is abundant in nature, occurring in Brazil, in Para, Maranhao, Mato Grosso, Tocantins, Goias, and Rondonia in dry land forests and transitional vegetation of the savannas (cerrados).
Oenocarpus panamensis ______ CR

Genus ORBIGNYA
Orbignya martiana ______ BR
Orbignya phalerata ______ BR
American Oil Palm
P: Babacu

In Brazil, the American Oil Palm is not cultivated, but it is abundant in nature in all of northern Brazil, Piaui, and Mato Grosso. It is found in dry land forests and in open areas.

Genus PHOLIDOSTACHYS
Pholidostachys pulchra ______ CR

Genus PRESTOEA
Prestoea decurrens ______ CR

Prestoea decurrens has been found to be a host plant for the rare brassoline nymphalid butterfly, Opsiphanes zelotes.

Genus PSEUDOPHOENIX
Pseudophoenix ekamnii ______ DR (endemic to Hispaniola, in Oviedo) (critically endangered)
Dominican Cherry Palm

Genus RAPHIA
Raphia taedigera ______ CR (TPCR:251) (probably introduced in tropical America; see note below)
Raffia
S: Yolillo

Raphia taedigera may well have been introduced in the Americas as all of the other 28 species in the genus grow in Africa and Madagascar. In the Americas, it occurs from Nicaragua to Colombia, and in one area in Brazil near the mouth of the Amazon.

Genus REINHARDTIA
Reinhardtia paiwonskiana ______ DR (endemic to Hispaniola, in the Sierra de Bahoruco at about 2,500 ft above sea level) (a critically endangered species)
Bahoruco Sierra Palm
S: Palma Coquito

Most Reinhardtia in the world are tiny palms, usually seen as potted plants. But in its genus, Reinhardtia paiwonskiana is a giant, growing to about 35 feet high, with a trunk diameter of over 5 inches.

Reinhardtia paiwonskiana was described to science in 1987, and the species in the Dominican Republic is the only known member of its genus in the West Indies. It is also the most tropical in is genus.
And in contrast with other Reinhardtia, it is a solitary pinnate palm that likes full sun.
Reinhardtia paiwonskiana is rarely seen in the wild or in cultivation.

Genus ROYSTONEA
Roystonea borinquena (ph) ______
Puerto Rican Royal Palm (a feather palm tree)

A Puerto Rican Royal Palm photographed during a FONT Caribbean tour
(photo by Marie Gardner)
Roystonea hispaniolana (ph) ______ DR (endemic to Hispaniola, where widespread)
Hispaniolan Royal Palm
S: Palma Real

Roystonea hispaniolana occurs in transition forests, humid forests, rain forests.

Above: looking up into a Hispaniolan Royal Palm.
This part of the tree is a favored haunt of a bird called the Palmchat,
a bird endemic to Hispaniola and the only member of its genus and family.
Below: the Palmchat
(both photos by Marie Gardner, during a FONT tour in the Dominican Republic)
Roystonea regia ______ CY (said to be originally from Cuba) (endangered in CY)
Royal Palm (a feather palm tree)

Genus SABAL
Sabal domingensis ______ DR (occurs on Hispaniola and Cuba)
Hispaniola Palmetto

Genus SCHEELIA
Scheelia butyracea ______ BR
P: Jaci, or Aricuri

in Brazil, Scheelia butyracea is not cultivated, but it is easily found in its natural habitat in Acre and the western part of Amazonas, in dry land forests and open areas.
Scheelia phalerata (*) ______ BR
Bacuri Palm
P: Bacuri

The Bacuri Palm is not cultivated, but it is abundant in nature, in Brazil, on the Central Plateau, in Acre, from Para to Sao Paulo state, and in the Pantanal area of Mato Grosso. It is found in dry land forests and open areas.
Scheelia rostrata ______ CR

Genus SOCRATEA
Socratea durissima ______ CR

Genus SYAGRUS
Syagrus cearensis ______ BR
P: Catole

Syagrus cearensis is occasionally cultivated as an ornamental, and it is still found in its natural habitat in Brazil in Ceara, Pernambuco, Paraiba, and Alagoas. It is found in seasonal vegetation, on hills and sierras, along the Atlantic coast, as well as in transitional areas of the caatinga or scrublands.
It is a cespitose palm that forms clumps with 2 to 5 arched stems. But it is occasionally solitary.
Syagrus coronata ______ BR
Licury Palm
P: Licuri

The Licury Palm is cultivated as an ornamental. In Brazil, it is native to the east side of the San Francisco River in Bahia, northern Minas Gerais, Sergipe, Alagoas, and Pernambuco. It is common in the scrublands (caatinga).
Syagrus flexuosa (*) ______ BR
P: Acuma

Syagrus flexuosa is occasionally cultivated as an ornamental. It is native to the savannas (cerrado) of central Brazil and it occurs also in the Brazilian states of Sao Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Mato Grosso do Sul.
It is a cespitose palm, 6 to 12 feet tall with an arching ringed trunk, growing in clumps of 5 to 10 stems.

Genus SYNECANTHUS
Synecanthus warscewiczianus ______ CR

Genus THRINAX
Thrinax radiata ______ CY (endemic to the Greater Antilles and Cayman Islands) (critically endangered in CY)
Bull Thatch (name in CY)

Genus WASHINGTONIA
Washingtonia filifera ______ (originally grew in more humid places in dry areas of California and Arizona, now in the humid tropics in parks)
Desert Palm (or California Fan Palm) (as in the names, a fan palm tree)
S: Palma de Castilla, Palma de Abanico ("Fan Palm")

Washington filifera is a desert species only in the sense that it grows within desert boundaries. It is a relict species from a time when what is now a desert was an area receiving abundant rain and was covered by a tropical forest. Today, in its original range, the Desert Palm grows only around springs and along streams.

Genus WELFIA
Welfia georgii ______ CR
Welfia regia ______ CR (TPCR:237) occurs from Honduras to Ecuador
Welfia Palm
S: Palma Conga

Family ARAUCARIACEAE (Araucarias)

Genus ARAUCARIA
Araucaria heterophylla ______ (native to Norfolk Island in the Pacific Ocean)
Norfolk Island Pine (a coniferous tree)

Family ARISTOLOCHIACEAE (Pipevines, Bladderworts, Birthworts)

Genus ARISTOLOCHIA
Aristolochia gigantea ______ (originally grew from Panama to the Amazon)
Pelican Flower (climbing plant with simple, alternating leaves)

Family ASCLEPIADACEAE (Milkweeds, Silkweeds)

What has been the family ASCLEPIADACEAE is now the subfamily ASCLEPIADOIDEAE in APOCYNACEAE, the Dogbanes.

Genus ASCLEPIAS
Asclepias curassavica ______ CR DR GU (TPCR:80) occurs naturally in Central and South America, the West Indies, Mexico, and Florida in the US
Butterflyweed (or Orange, or Tropical Milkweed) (a bush with simple, alternate leaves)
P: Oficial da Sala
S: numerous names including: Algodoncillo, or Corcalito, or Flor de Sangre, or Mata Caballo, or Bailarina, or Mal Casada, or Yuquillo, or Viborana (in Costa Rica)

Another name for Asclepias curassavica is Bloodflower. The same, one of the many Spanish name for the plant is: "Flor de Sangre".

In the Dominican Republic, Asclepias curassavica is a food plant for the butterfly Papilio machaonides, the Machaonides Swallowtail.
Asclepias nivea ______ DR
Caribbean Milkweed

In the Dominican Republic, Asclepias nivea is a food plant for the butterflies: Anetia jaegeri, the Hispaniolan King, Danaus gilippus, the Queen, Danaus plexippus, the Monarch, Danaus cleophile, the Caribbean Queen or Jamaican Monarch.

A Hispaniolan King photographed during a FONT tour
(photo by Marie Gardner)

Genus METASTELMA
Metastelma palustre ______ CY
Metastelma picardae ______ CY (nearly endemic to the Cayman Islands)

Genus SARCOSTEMMA
Sarcostemma clausum ______ CY

Family ASTERACEAE (or COMPOSITAE) (Asters, Sunflowers)

With about 1,100 genera & 20,000 species in this large, worldwide family; making this and the Orchid Family (ORCHIDACEAE) the two largest plant families.

On the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, there are about 335 described species in ASTERACEAE.

Genus AGERATUM
Ageratum conyzoides ______ DR

In the Dominican Republic, Ageratum conyzoides is a food plant for the butterflies: Battus polydamas, the Gold Rim Swallowtail, Strymon istapa, the Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak, Strymon bazochii, the Lantana Scrub-Hairstreak, Anartia lytrea, the Goddard's Anartia, Anetia pantherata, the Great King, Anetia jaegeri, the Hispaniolan King, Danaus gilippus, the Queen, Danaus eresimus, the Soldier, Danaus cleophile, the Caribbean Queen or Jamaican Monarch.

A Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak photographed
during a FONT tour in the Dominican Republic
(photo by Marie Gardner)
Ageratum littorale ______ CY
Ageratum sp. ______ CR (TPCR:82)

Genus AMBROSIA
Ambrosia hispida ______ CY (native to the entire Caribbean, Central America, northern South America)
Sweet Bay

Other names for Ambrosia hispida are Bay Gerina, Bay Tansy, Wormwood, Soap Bush. In the Cayman Islands it is called "Geranium".
It grows in sandy dune area along shorelines.

Genus ASTER
Aster subulatus (var. cubensis) ______ CY

Genus BACCHARIS
Baccharis dioca ______ CY (endemic to the West Indies)

Genus BIDENS
Bidens pilosa ______ DR

In the Dominican Republic, Bidens pilosa is a food plant for the butterflies: Strymon istapa, the Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak, Strymon bazochii, the Lantana Scrub-Hairsteak, Anetia pantherata, the Great King, Danaus gilippus, the Queen, Danaus eresimus, the Soldier.

Genus BORRICHIA
Borrichia arborescens ______ CY (endemic to the West Indies)
Bay Candlewood

Genus CHUQUIRAGA
Chuquiraga spinosa ______ EC PE

Chuquiraga spinosa is the favored food source of the high-altitude hummingbird, the Andean Hillstar.

Genus CIRSIUM
Cirsium mexicanum ______ CR

In Costa Rica, Cirsium mexicanum occurs in pastures below 6,000 feet above sea level. It is a purple-flowered species, shorter than Cirsium subcoriaceum (below).
Cirsium subcoriaceum ______ CR (TPCR:317) occurs from Mexico to Panama
Plume Thistle
S: Cardo

In Costa Rica, Cirsium subcoriaceum occurs mostly from 6,000 to 10,200 feet above sea level.

The Volcano Hummingbird uses the silky hairs of the seeds of Plume Thistle to line its nest.

Genus CLIBADIUM
Clibadium leiocarpum ______ CR

Genus CRITONIA
Critonia daleoides ______ CR

Genus DAHLIA
Dahlia coccinea (or popenovii) (ph) ______ GU

Dahlia coccinea,
from the "Flowers of Guatemala"
Dahlia maxoni (ph) ______ GU
S: Flor de Santa Catarina

Dahlia maxoni,
from the "Flowers of Guatemala"

Genus ESPELETIA

Plants in the genus ESPELETIA are commonly known as FRAILEJON, native mainly in Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador. It also occurs in the high country in Costa Rica.
The plants, in high altitudes in the Paramo ecosystem, have thick trunks, and succulent hairy leaves in a dense spiral pattern. Marcescent leaves help protect the plants from the cold. The flowers are usually yellow, similar to daisies.
Espeletia sp. ______ CR
"Lamb's Ears"

The butterfly, the Painted Lady, has been observed feeding on nectar at a species of Espeletia in Costa Rica.

Genus EUPATORIUM
Eupatorium angulare ______ CR
Eupatorium hebabotryum ______ CR
Eupatorium hylonomum ______ CR
Eupatorium morifolium ______ CR
Eupatorium pittieri ______ CR

Genus ISOCARPHA
Isocarpha oppositifolia ______ CY

Genus IVA
Iva cheiranthifolia ______ CY
Iva imbricata ______ CY (critically endangered in CY)

Genus KOANOPHYLLON
Koanophyllon villosum ______ CY (endemic to the West Indies)

Genus LASIANTHAEA
Lasianthaea fruticosa ______ CR

Genus LEPIDAPLOA
Lepidaploa divaricata ______ CY (nearly endemic to the Cayman Islands) (vulnerable)
Christmas Blossom (name in CY)

Genus MELANTHERA
Melanthera aspera ______ CY (endemic to the Greater Antilles and Cayman Islands)

Genus MIKANIA

in Costa Rica, MIKANIA species are host plants for the caterpillars of the butterfly Actinote anteas, the Anteas Actinote.
Mikania cordifolia ______ DR

In the Dominican Republic, Mikania cordifolia is a food plant for the butterfly Danaus eresimus, the Soldier.

Genus MONTANOA
Montanoa guatemalensis ______ CR (TPCR:214)
Tree Daisy
S: Tubu

Genus NEOMIRANDEA
Neomirandea angularis ______ CR (TPCR:285) occurs only in Costa Rica
S: Tora Hueca

Genus PARTHENIUM
Parthenium hysterophorus ______ DR

In the Dominican Republic, Parthenium hysterophorus is a food plant for the butterfly Strymon columella, the Hewitson's Hairstreak.

Genus PECTIS
Pectis caymanensis ______ CY
Pectis caymanensis (var. caymanensis) ______ (nearly endemic to the Cayman Islands) (critically endangered in CY)
Pectis caymanensis (var. robusta) ______ (endemic to Grand Cayman island) (critically endangered in CY)
Tea Banker
Pectis linifolia ______ CY

Genus PLUCHEA
Pluchea carolinensis ______ CY
Cure-for-all Sourbush

Other names for Pluchea carolinensis include Cattletongue.

MEDICINAL PLANT:
As its name implies, the Cure-for-all Sourbush is widely used medically in the Caribbean, for various ailments including cough.
Pluchea odorata ______ CY
Salt Marsh Sourbush

In North America, a name for Pluchea odorata is Salt Marsh Fleabane.

Genus SALMEA
Salmea petrobioides ______ CY (vulnerable in CY)

Genus SENECIO
Senecio arborescens ______ CR
Senecio cooperi ______ CR
Senecio haitensis ______ DR

In the Dominican Republic, Senecio haitensis is a food plant for the butterflies: Anetia pantherata, the Great King, Danaus plexippus, the Monarch.

Genus SPHAGNETICOLA
Sphagneticola trilobata ______ CR CY (TPCR:330) occurs along coasts in the New World Tropics
West Indian Creeper
Marigold (name in CY)
S; Boton de Oro

Synonyms for Sphagneticola triobata have been: Complaya trilobata, Thelechitonia trilobata, Wedelia trilobata.

Genus SPILANTHES
Spilanthes urens ______ CY

Genus TAGETES

There is a question as to where TAGETES originated. In Central America, there are cities that were ports of long-ago Spanish ships. But it has been claimed that the place of origin was the New World.
Two points that support this are that species of TAGETES are in Mayan carvings made in the great days of that civilization, that is before A.D. 1000, and that TAGETES were given an Aztec name cempoalxochitl.
Tagetes remotiflora (or Tagetes erecta) (ph) ______ GU

In the illustration above, the left-hand flower is
Taggetes remotiflora, one of the marigolds here.
From the "Flowers of Guatemala".
Tagetes sororia (or Tagetes nelsonii) ______ GU

Genus TITHONIA
Tithonia diversifolia ______ CR
Mexican Sunflower, or Bolivian Sunflower

Tithonia diversifolia is similar to Tithonia rotundifolia (below).
Tithonia longiradiata (ph) ______ CR GU
Tree Sunflower

Tithonia longiradiata is a shrub to treelet with unlobed leaves.

The sunflower Tithonia longiradiata,
from the "Flowers of Guatemala".
Tithonia rotundifolia ______ CR (TPCR:84) occurs naturally in Mexico and Central America

Genus VERBESINA
Verbesina caymanensis ______ CY (endemic to the Caribbean island of Cayman Brac) (critically endangered)
Verbesina oerstediana ______ CR

Genus VIGUIERA

VIGUIERA occurs in Mexico, and to the south to South America. Its northernmost distribution is in the southwest US.
Viguiera dentata ______ MX(YU)
Toothleaf Goldeneye (or Sunflower Goldeneye)
Tajonal (Mayan name)

Viguiera dentata has a bright yellow flower that can be cover countryside in the Yucatan from December through February.
Traditional Mayans have used the dry stalks and stems of the plant to make brooms and other household items.
The flower produces the sweetest honey in the Yucatan area, with a 78.5 sugar content. It is a dark gold in color.
(from the book: "Yucatan, Recipes from a Culinary Expedition" by David Sterling)

Genus ZINNIA
Zinnia elegans (ph) ______ DR GU

In the Dominican Republic, Zinnia elegans is a food plant for the butterfly Battus polydamas, the Gold Rim Swallowtail.
It is also especially favored by the butterfly Papilio androgeus, the Androgeus Swallowtail.

Zinnia elegans,
from the "Flowers of Guatemala"

Family ATHYRIACEAE (Lady-Ferns)

Genus HYMENOPHYLLUM
Hymenophyllum sp. ______ DR

Family BALANOPHORACEAE

Genus LANGSDORFFIA
Langsdorffia hypogaea ______ CR (TPCR:286) occurs from Mexico to parts of South America

Family BALSAMINACEAE (Touch-me-not)

Genus IMPATIENS

There are more than 800 species of IMPATIENS worldwide, and there are many hybrids.

Plants in IMPATIENS can be attractive to feeding hummingbirds.
Impatiens turrialbana (*) ______ CR

Impatiens turrialbana is a native species in Costa Rica, where it occurs from about 3,900 to 7,500 feet above sea level on slopes in Tapanti, of Turrialba and Irazu volcanoes, and in parts of the Talamanca mountains.
It is with red-orange flowers.
Impatiens walleriana (*) ______ CR (TPCR:122,123) originally from mountains in eastern Africa
Impatiens
S: Chinas

In Costa Rica, Impatiens walleriana is very common along roadsides and streamsides in lowlands and up to 4,800 feet above sea level.

Family BASELLACEAE (some herbaceous plants)

Genus ANREDERA
Anredera vesicaria ______ CY

Family BATACEAE (Pickleweed)

A family with only 2 species, 1 in the Americas, 1 in Australia.

Genus BATIS
Batis maritima (*) ______ CY DR
Pickleweed (or Saltwort, Beachwort)

In the Cayman Islands, and the Dominican Republic, Batis maritima is a food plant for the butterfly Brephidium exilis, the Western Pygmy Blue.
During FONT tours on Little Cayman Island, and in the area of the dunes at Bani in the Dominican Republic, we've seen good numbers of this tiny butterfly at this plant by the sea.

Family BETULACEAE (Alders)

Genus ALNUS
Alnus acuminata ______ CR (TPCR:215)
Alder
S: Jaul

Alnus acuminata is the only species in BETULACEAE in Costa Rica.

Family BEGONIACEAE

Genus BEGONIA
Begonia involucrata ______ CR (TPCR:287) occurs in Costa Rica and Panama
Angel-wing Begonia
S: Begonia

Family BIGNONIACEAE (Trumpet Creepers, Bignonias)

Genus CATALPA
Catalpa longissima ______ CY (critically endangered in CY)

Genus CRESCENTIA
Crescentia alata ______ CR (TPCR:260) occurs from Mexico to northwest Costa Rica (Guanacaste)
Gourd Tree
S: Jicaro, or Guacal, or Jicarillo (in Costa Rica)

Other names for Crescentia alata are Mexican Calabash and Winged Calabash.

The bark of Crescentia alata is a good substrate for orchids and other epiphytes.
Peeled and dried seeds are used for a version of the rice-based drink known as horchata.
Crescentia cujete (ph) ______ BR CR (TPCR:260) (originally grew on Caribbean islands)
Calabash Tree (with simple, alternating leaves)
S: Calabasa, or Cujete, or Higuero, or Taparo, or Jicaro (in Costa Rica)

The Calabash is the national tree of Saint Lucia.

The fruit of the Calabash tree
(photo courtesy of Michiel Koomen)

Genus ENALLAGMA
Enallagma latifolia ______ CR

Genus GODMANIA
Godmania aesculifolia ______ CR

Genus JACARANDA
Jacaranda copaia ______ CR
Jacaranda ekmanii ______ DR
Ekman's Jacaranda
S: Jacaranda de Ekman
Jacaranda mimosifolia ______ CR (TPCR:20) (originally grew in southern Brazil and northern Argentina)
Jacaranda (a tree with leaves pinnately divided)
S: Guarupa

Jacaranda trees, profusely in bloom with their light violet flowers, have been seen during FONT tours in the city parks of Buenos Aires, Argentina, in October and November.

The flowers of the Jacaranda tree can be especially attractive to feeding hummingbirds.

Genus MACFADYENA
Macfadyena unguis-cati ______ CR
Cat-claw Bignone
S: Una de Gato

Macfadyena unguis-cati is a "big bang" flowerer, blooming near the end of the dry season. Many plants bloom at the same time, and the flowering period lasts a few days.
The brilliant orange-yellow tubular-campanulate flowers are bee pollinated.

Genus PARMENTIERA
Parmentiera aculeata ______ MX(YU) (native to Central America)
Food Candle Tree (or Tree Cucumber)
S: Cuajilote

In the Yucatan of Mexico, another name for Parmentiera aculeata is Pepino Kat. ("Kat" is a Mayan name)
Parmentiera valerii ______ CR

Genus PITHECOCTENIUM
Pithcoctenium crucigerum ______ CR (TPCR:261) occurs from Mexico to Argentina
Monkey Comb
S: Bateita

Genus PYROSTEGIA
Pyrostegia venusta (*) ______ BR CR (TPCR:123,124) originally in Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, and northeast Argentina
Flame Vine (or "Orange Creeper") (a climbing plant with leaves pinnately divided or tripartite)
P: Cipo de Sao Joao
S: Chiltote, or Chorro de Oro, or Triquitraque

Genus SPATHODEA
Spathodea campanulata (ph) ______ CR DR JM (TPCR:21) (native to tropical Africa)
African Tulip Tree (tree with leaves pinnately divided)
S: Tulipan Africano, or Caoba de Santo Domingo, or Arbol de Fuente

Even though the African Tulip Tree is an introduced species in Jamaica, an endemic hummingbird on that island, the Jamaican Mango, Anthracothorax mango, uses it as a food source.

African Tulip Trees photographed during a FONT tour in the Dominican Republic
in the Caribbean (photo by Marie Gardner)
Spathodea nilotica ______ BR
P: Espatodea

Spathodea nilotica is especially attractive to feeding hummingbirds.

Genus TABEBUIA

The TABEBUIA trees noted below can be, when in bloom, especially attractive to feeding hummingbirds.
Tabebuia aurea ______ BR (in the wild in Brazil and northern Argentina)
Tabebuia avellanedae ______ BR
Tabebuia berterii ______ DR (endemic to Hispaniola, widespread there)
S: Aceituno

Tabebuia berterii occurs in rainforest, semi-humid, and dry forest.
Tabebuia chrysantha (*) ______ BR CR
Gold Tree (or Yellow Ipe) (tree, as are others in Tabebuia, with leaves palmately divided)
P: Ype Amarelo
S: Amapa Prieta, or Araguanyey, or Cortez Amarillo, or Guayacan

In Costa Rica, Tabebuia chrysantha is in wet forest. Other Tabebuia species in Costa Rica are below: Tabebuia guayacan and Tabebuia ochracea.

"Ipe", or "Ype" Trees, have been seen and enjoyed during many FONT tours in the Neotropics, as they are favored for food by many birds, and, at times, by monkeys.
During the dry season, they, and Pink Trumpet Trees (below), are ablaze with color in the Pantanal in southern Brazil.
A particular hotel where we've often stayed in southeastern Brazil is called "Hotel do Ype"
Tabebuia chrysotricha ______ BR
Tabebuia donnell-smithii (ph) ______ GU
S: Palo Blanco

Tabebuia donnell-smithii has brilliant, clear yellow flowers. Its blooming period, when the blossoms are at their glory, is during the latter part of the dry season.
The tree is sometimes called Palo Blanco because of its white bark, which enhances its attractiveness.
In Guatemala, it is common in low and middle altitudes.



Tabebuia donnell-smithii,
from the "Flowers of Guatemala"
Tabebuia guayacan ______ CR

In Costa Rica, Tabebuia guayacan is in moist forest.
Tabebuia haemantha ______
S: Roble Cimarron

Roble Cimarron is a preferred feeding plant for nectar for the hummingbird, the Antillean Mango, Anthracothorax dominicus, on the Caribbean islands of Hispaniola and Puerto Rico.
Tabebuia heptaphylla ______ BR
Tabebuia heterophylla ______ CY (endangered in CY)
Whitewood (name in CY)
Tabebuia impetiginosa (*) ______ BR CR

Tabebuia impetiginosa are large trees that lose their leaves in the dry season, but late in the dry season, the tree suddenly produces an overwhelming mass of maroon flowers for about a week.
An individual tree can sometimes have two or three such mass-flowering episodes.
Some other species of Tabebuia trees have bright yellow flowers, such as Tabebuia chrysantha (above).
The strategy of massive flowering during just a few days is to attract pollinating insects, many of them bees.
Regarding the wood of Tabebuia trees, it is some of the heaviest and hardest in the American tropics. It is so heavy it does not float on top of water.
Tabebuia jaragua ______ DR
S: Roblillo
Tabebuia ochracea ______ BR
Tabebuia ochracea neochrysantha ______ CR (TPCR:255,262,263) occurs in Central America and South America
S: Guayacan, or Corteza Amarilla. or Cortez Amarillo

In Costa Rica, Tabebuia ochracea is in dry forest. Like the others in Costa Rica in its genus, Tabebuia ochracea is a "big bang" mass flowerer in which all of the flowers start to bloom the same day, and the flowering lasts only about 4 days.
They bloom in the dry season, and when doing so they are an unbelievable mass of color.
The trees are pollinated by a variety of bees, and the nectar of the flowers is fed upon by hummingbirds.
Tabebuia pentaphylla ______ GU
S: Macuelizo

Tabebuia pentaphylla is a beautiful tree, that forms an umbrella of color above a long, straight trunk, reaching high above its neighbors for sun. Like Tabebuia donnell-smithii (above), the glorious blooming period of Tabebuia pentaphylla is during the latter part of the dry season. Its flowers range from a lovely pink to rose.
Tabebuia pentaphylla is the national flower of El Salvador, where it is called Macuelizo.
Tabebuia rosea (*) ______ BR CR (TPCR:22) (in the wild in South America in areas with alternating humidity)
Pink Trumpet Tree (with leaves palmately divided)
S: Amapa Rosa, or Apamate, or Macuelizo
Tabebuia vellosoi ______ BR

Genus TECOMA
Tecoma stans (ph) ______ CR GU (TPCR:23) (native from the southern US to northern Argentina)
Yellow Trumpet Flower (or Yellow Elder) (bush with leaves pinnately divided)
S: Trompetilla, or Tronodora or Fresnillo, or Floria, or Roble Amarillo, or Sauco Amarillo

The Yellow Trumpet Flower is among the most popular of ornamental plants from the tropics, and so it has many names.

Tecoma stans, the Yellow Trumpet Flower,
from the "Flowers of Guatemala"

Genus TECOMARIA

TECOMARIA species are especially attractive to feeding hummingbirds, in Brazil.

Family BIXACEAE (Achiote, or Annatto Plants)

includes COCHLOSPERMACEAE (genus COCHLOSPERMUM)

Genus AMOREUXIA
Amoreuxia palmatifida (ph) ______ GU

Amoreuxia palmatifida,
from the "Flowers of Guatemala"

Genus BIXA
Bixa orellana ______ CR GU MX(YU) (native to the tropics of the Western Hemisphere)
Annatto Tree (bush with simple, alternating leaves)
P: Acafroa
S: Achiote, or Annatto

The fleshy seed coat of the Annatto produces a bright red color that is used in lipsticks, soap, and foods such as cheese and margarine.
Native Americans used it to color their hair and paint their skin.

Genus COCHLOSPERMUM
Cochlospermum vitifolium (*) ______ CR GU (native from Mexico to Peru and Brazil)
Silk Tree (or Cotton Tree) (tree with leaves palmately divided)
S: Bototo, or Carnestolenda, or Poro Poro

Other English names for Cochlospermum vitifolium are Buttercup Tree and Yellow Rose Tree.

Family BLECHNACEAE

Genus BLECHNUM
Blechnum auratum ______ CR (TPCR:317)
Tree Blechnum

Family BORAGINACEAE (Borages)

On the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, there are over 50 described species in BORAGINACEAE.

Genus ARGUSIA
Argusia gnaphalodes ______ CY
Lavendar (name in CY)

Genus BOURRERIA
Bourreria costaricensis ______ CR
Bourreria quirosii ______ CR
Bourreria huanita ______ GU
Bourreria succulenta (ph) ______ (in the Bahamas, Cuba, and on other Caribbean islands)
Bahama Strongbark, or Bodywood

Above and below: the Bahama Strongbark
Above: the flowers. Below: the fruit.
(photos courtesy of Michiel Koomen)
Bourreria venosa ______ CY
Parrot Berry (name in CY)

Genus CORDIA

In the Dominican Republic, CORDIA species are food plants for the butterfly Battus polydamas, the Gold Rim Swallowtail.
Cordia alba (ph) ______ GU
S: Zazamil

Cordia alba,
from the "Flowers of Guatemala"
Cordia alliodora ______ CR (TPCR:218)
Cordia bicolor ______ CR
Cordia brownei ______ CY (nearly endemic to CY)
Cordia collococca ______ CR
Cordia cymosa ______ CR
Cordia dodecandra ______ BZ MX(YU)
Zericote (name in BZ)
S: Ciricote, or Siricote, or Ziricote

The Ciricote is one of the most valuable and used trees in the areas of the Yucatan in Mexico, and in Belize and Guatemala. In Belize, as noted above, it is called Zericote.
Native to the places just mentioned, the tree was significant to the ancient Mayans, and it continues to be so today.
All parts of it have been and are valued. Now, unfortunately, in nature, the tree is considered a vulnerable species..

The Ciricote is a robust tree, with large rounded leaves, which fall when the tree produces beautiful bright orange flowers prior to fruiting.
The fruit is the size of small guava. It is green when young and yellow when mature. Most of the harvesting of the fruit is in April and May, but when consumed green it is harvested sooner.

The fruit of the Ciricote is somewhat insipid when raw, so the greatest consumption of it is as a preserve in dark syrup.
That popular dish is called "Dulce de Ciricote".

The stiff Ciricote leaves are surprisingly rough, like a fine sandpiper. So they have been long used for washing pots and to clean and smoothen gourd utensils.

But it is perhaps the wood that is the most coveted part of the Ciricote tree. It is extremely hard, with beautifully contrasting dark and light grain.
Its durability has made it a favored material for flooring and a top choice for furniture.
It is also prized for its acoustic qualities and its beauty, and thus it is for the making of guitars.
Ciricote trees are frequently used as ornamental plants in parks and gardens.

(from the book: "Yucatan, Recipes from a Culinary Expedition" by David Sterling)
Cordia dwyeri ______ CR
Cordia ecalyculata ______ BR
P: Cha-de-Bugre or Claraiba

Birds that feed on the fruits of Cordia ecalyculata include: guans, trogons, pigeons, tanagers, aracaris, and others.
Cordia gerascanthus ______ CR CY (endangered in CY)
Spanish Elm (name in CY)
Cordia glabrata ______ BR
Louro

The Louro is a tall tree, with a tall slender trunk that is grayish-white. It has white flowers that are very fragrant, and are visited by moths in the early morning, and by butterflies, bees, and beetles during the day.
Because Cordia glabrata is fast-growing, it is suggested as an ideal native species for reforestation.
Cordia globosa humilis ______ CY DR (vulnerable in CY)
Black Sage (name in CY)

In the Dominican Republic, Cordia globosa is a food plant for the butterfly Papilio aristor, the Scarce Haitian Swallowtail.
Cordia haitiensis ______ DR

In the Dominican Republic, Cordia haitensis is a food plant for the butterflies: Papilio aristor, the Scarce Haitian Swallowtail, Papilio machaonides, the Machaonides Swallowtail, Papilio androgeus, the Androgeus Swallowtail, Junonia genoveva, the Mangrove Buckeye.
Cordia laevigata ______ CY (endemic to Greater Antilles and Cayman Islands) (critically endangered in CY)
Clam Cherry (name in CY)
Cordia lucidula ______ CR
Cordia nitida ______ CR
Cordia panamensis ______ CR
Cordia rickseckeri ______ DR PR
S: San Bartolome

The San Bartolome is a preferred feeding plant for nectar for the hummingbird, the Antillean Mango, Anthracothorax dominicus, on the Caribbean islands of Hispaniola and Puerto Rico.
Cordia sebestena ______ JM (originally grew on Caribbean islands and in Venezuela)
Cordia sebestena (var. caymanensis) ______ CY (vulnerable in CY)
Scarlet Cordia (tree with simple, alternating leaves)
Broad Leaf (name in CY)
S: Vomitel, or No-me-olvide

On Jamaica, the Scarlet Cordia is a food source for the Jamaican Mango, Anthracothorax mango, a hummingbird endemic to that island. The male hummingbirds defend their feeding territories vigorously.
Cordia sellowiuana ______ BR
P: Jurute

Birds that feed on the fruits of Cordia sellowiuana include: guans, trogons, pigeons, tanagers, aracaris, and others.

Genus EHRETIA
Ephreta austin-smithii ______ CR
Ehretia tinifolia ______ CY (critically endangered in CY)

Genus HELIOTROPIUM
Heliotropium curassavicum ______ CY DR

In the Dominican Republic, Heliotropium curassavicum is a food plant for the butterfly Strymon columella, the Hewitson's Hairstreak.
Heliotropium humifusum ______ CY
Heliotropium ternatum ______ CY

Genus TOURNEFORTIA
Tournefortia astrotricha ______ CY
Tournefortia glabra ______ CR
Tournefortia hirsutissima ______ DR

In the Dominican Republic, Tournefortia hirsutissima is a food plant for the butterflies: Battus polydamas, the Gold Rim Swallowtail, Strymon istapa, the Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak, Hamadryas amplichloe, the Pale Cracker, Junonia genoveva, the Mangrove Buckeye, Anetia pantherata, the Great King, Danaus cleophile, the Caribbean Queen or Jamaican Monarch.
Tournefortia minuta ______ CY
Tournefortia ramonensis ______ CR
Tournefortia volubilis ______ CY
Aunt Eliza Bush (name in CY)

Genus WIGANDIA

Was in the WATERLEAF family, formerly HYDROPHYLLACAE, now a subfamily of BORAGINACEAE.
Wigandia kunthii (ph) ______ GU

Wigandia kunthii,
from the "Flowers of Guatemala"

Family BRASSICACEAE (Mustards) - formerly CRUCIFERAE

Genus CAKILE
Cakile lanceolata ______ CY

Family BROMELIACEAE (Bromeliads)

BROMELIACEAE contains about 2,000 species that range from tropical to warm-temperate regions of the New World.

Plants in BROMELIACEAE are favored food, in Central America, for the hummingbird, the Violet Sabrewing, Campylopterus hemileucurus.

Genus AECHMEA

On the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, plants in AECHMEA are fed upon for nectar by the hummingbird known as the Hispaniolan Emerald, Chlorostilbon swainsonii, a bird endemic to that island.
Aechmea fasciata ______ (native to Brazil)
Silver Vase (epiphyte)
P: Aequimeia
Aechmea patriciae (ph) ______ (endemic to Ecuador)

The natural habitat in Ecuador for Aechmea patriciae is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest.

As info, there is a cultivar with a similar name, Aechmea patricia, that was developed in southern Florida.

Aechmea patriciae (photo by Marie Gardner)

Genus ANANAS
Ananas comosus (*) ______ CR MX(YU) (native to the tropical Western Hemisphere)
Pineapple
P: Abacaxi
S: Pina

The Pineapple got its English name from the resemblance it has to the pine cone in the temperate regions.
The plant was native to Central America and the West Indies. Columbus found it there when he arrived in 1492.
Since then, it has become cultivated in much of the world, in the tropics, and it now a popular fruit many places.

Because of the structure and arrangement of its leaves, the Pineapple plant can make maximum use of rain water, and so it is capable of living in dry conditions.
The flowers of the plant arise deep in the center of the leaves where they bloom for only a brief period.
About 10 months later, the fruit of the pineapple has grown and ripened and is ready for picking.

Pineapple is used widely as a breakfast dish, a dessert, and in fruit salads. It also is used as accompaniment with meat dishes such as ham, gammon, and pork (all names for pretty much the same thing).
Also Pineapple is often, in the tropics, a flavor in a juice, and it is used to make a delicious "squash drink".

Genus BROMELIA
Bromelia karatas ______ CR

Spanish names, interchangeably, for Bromelia karatas and Bromelia pinguin are Chiras, or Pinuelas.
Bromelia pinguin ______ CR MX(YU)
Wild Pineapple
S: Pinuela, or Pinuelilla, or Malla

Both Bromelia pinguin and Bromelia plumieri (below) are native to the seasonally dry areas of Costa Rica.
Bromelia plumieri ______ CR

Genus GUZMANIA

The bromeliads in GUZMANIA are favored foods for the hummingbird, the Straight-billed Hermit.

Genus HOHENBERGIA
Hohenbergia caymanensis ______ CY (endemic to the Cayman Islands) (critically endangered)
Old George (name in CY)
Hohenbergia portoricensis ______ PR
Puerto Rican Lacebark

Hohenbergia portoricensis is a food source in Puerto Rico for the Puerto Rican Emerald, Chlorostilbon maugaeus, a hummingbird that is endemic to that island.

Genus PITCAIRNIA
Pitcairnia bromeliifolia (*) ______ DR PR

Pitcairnia bromeliifolia is a red-flowered bromeliad that is a food source in Puerto Rico for the hummingbird, the Green Mango, Anthracothorax viridis, that is endemic to that island.
Also in Puerto Rico, and on Hispaniola, it is a preferred food source for nectar for the Antillean Mango, Anthracothorax dominicus.
Pitcairnia elizabethae ______ DR

In the Dominican Republic, Pitcairnia elizabethae is a food plant for the butterfly Danaus plexippus, the Monarch.

Genus PUYA: contains 8 species, native to mountains in southern Central America and the Andes Mountains in South America.
Puya dasylirioides (*) ______ CR (TPCR:318,319) endemic to Costa Rica, from 7,500 to 10,200 feet above sea level
Puya raimondii ______

Puya raimondii is notable in that it is the largest known species of bromeliad. It can attain a height of 9 feet in vegetative growth with a flower spike from 27 to 30 feet tall.

Genus TILLANDSIA
Tillandsia balbisiana ______ CY
Tillandsia bulbosa ______ CY (vulnerable in CY)
Tillandsia caput-medusae ______ CR
Tillandsia circinnata ______ CR
Tillandsia fasciculata (var. clavispica) ______ CY
Tillandsia festucoides ______ CY (critically endangered in CY)
Tillandsia flexuosa ______ CY
Tillandsia paucifolia ______ CY (endemic to Greater Antilles and Cayman Islands)
Tillandsia pruinosa ______ CR
Tillandsia recurvata ______ CY
Old Man's Beard (name in CY)
Tillandsia rodrigueziana (ph) ______ GU
S: Pata de Gallo

Tillandsia rodrigueziana,
from the "Flowers of Guatemala"
Tillandsia setacea ______ CY
Tillandsia usneoides ______ (occurs from the southern US to northern Argentina)
Spanish Moss (an epiphyte)
P: Barba de Pau, or Barba de Velho
S: Barba de Viejo, or Musgo Blanco

Another name for Tillandsia usneoides is Louisiana Moss.
Tillandsia utriculata ______ CY (endemic to West Indies)

Genus VRIESEA (or WERAUBIA)

The bromeliads in VRIESEA are favored foods for the Straight-billed Hermit, Phaethornis bourcieri, a hummingbird in northern South America.
Vriesea gladioliflora ______ CR
Vriesea kupperiana ______ CR
Vriesea ororiensis ______ CR (TPCR:308) occurs in Costa Rica and Panama

Vriesea ororiensis is now said to be in the genus WERAUBIA.
Vriesea sintenisii ______ PR

Vriesea sintenisii is a food source in Puerto Rico for the hummingbird, the Puerto Rican Emerald, Chlorostilbon maugeus, that is endemic to that island.
Vriesea zamorensis (*) (ph) ______ EC

Vriesea zamorensis, photographed during the FONT April 2014 Tour
in southern Ecuador at Copalinga (photo by Marie Gardner)

Family BRUNELLIACEAE

Genus BRUNELLIA
Brunellia costaricensis ______ CR (TPCR:319) endemic to Costa Rica, from 4,500 to 8,700 feet above sea level
Brunellia
S: Cedrillo
Brunellia standleyana ______ CR in Costa Rica from 2,550 to 5,700 feet above sea level

Family BURSERACEAE (Torchwoods, or Incense Trees)

Genus BURSERA
Busera simaruba (*) ______ CR CY (TPCR:219,220)
Gumbo-limbo (or Copperwood)
Red Birch (name in CY)
S: Indio Desnudo, or Jinocuave

Busera simaruba is comically referred to as the "tourist tree" because the tree's bark is red and peeling like the skin of sunburnt tourists.

Family BUXACEAE (Box family)

Genus BUXUS
Buxus bahamensis ______ CY (critically endangered in CY)

Family CACTACEAE (Cacti)

With about 140 genera and 2,000 species, nearly all found in warm arid parts of the Americas.

Genus CONSOLEA
Consolea millspaughii (var. caymanensis) ______ CY (critically endangered in CY)

Genus EPIPHYLLUM
Epiphyllum phyllanthus (var. plattsii) ______ CY (critically endangered in CY)

Genus HARRISIA
Harrisia gracilis ______ CY (endangered in CY)
Harrisia nashii (*) (ph) ______ DR (in Dominican Republic, by Lake Enriquillo and in the lower Sierra de Bahoruco)
S: Flor de la Pitahaya (referring to the flower)

The cactus, Harrisia nashii, photographed during a FONT tour in the Dominican Republic,
by Lake Enriquillo, at about 200 feet below sea level.
(photo by Marie Gardner)

Genus HYLOCEREUS
Hylocereus costaricensis ______ CR
Wild Pitahaya
S: Pitahaya Silvestre
Hylocereus undatus ______ MX(YU)
Dragonfruit (or Strawberry Pear)
S: Pitahaya, or Pitaya

Genus MELOCACTUS
Melocactus pedernalensis (*) ______ DR (endemic to Hispaniola, in area of Pedernales)
S: Melon Espinoso

Genus NEOABBOTTIA
Neoabbottia paniculada (*) ______ DR (endemic to Hispaniola, in xeric forest by Lake Enriquillo)
S: Caguey, or Elcacto

Genus NOPALEA
Nopalea cochenillifera (*) ______ CR (TPCR:125) thought to have originated in southern Mexico
Cochineal
S: Tuna
Nopalea guatemalensis (*) ______ CR GU native in the Guanacaste area of Costa Rica
Nopalea lutea ______ CR native in the Guanacaste area of Costa Rica

Genus OPUNTIA
Opuntia caribaea (*) ______ DR in the Dominican Republic, by Lago Enriquillo
S: Guasabara
Opuntia cochenillifera ______ JM
Cochincal Prickly Pear

The flowers of the Cochincal Prickly Pear are fed on extensively by the Jamaican Mango, Anthracothorax mango, a hummingbird endemic to Jamaica.
Opuntia dillenii ______ CY (endangered in CY)

Genus PERESKIA
Pereskia grandifolia ______ (originally grew in Brazil)
Rose Cactus (bush with simple, alternating leaves)
Pereskia quisqueyana ______ DR (endemic to Hispaniola, only in and near the beach town of Bayahibe)
S: Flor de Bayahibe, or Rosa de Bayahibe

In the Dominican Republic, Bayahibe is by the "National Park of the East".

Genus PILOSOCEREUS
Pilosocereus swartzii ______ CY (critically endangered in CY)
Dildo (name in CY)

Genus SCHLUMBERGRA

A small genus of cacti with 6 species found in the coastal mountains of southeastern Brazil.
Schlumbergra truncata ______ BR
P: Flor-de-Maio

When in flower, Schlumbergra truncata can be attractive to feeding hummingbirds.

Genus SELENICEREUS
Selenicereus boeckmannii ______ CY (endemic to Greater Antilles and Cayman Islands)
Vine Pear (name in CY)
Selenicereus grandiflorus ______ CY
Vine Pear (name in CY)

Family CALPHYLLACEAE

Previously in the CLUSIACEAE, or GUTTIFERAE Family.

Genus MAMMEA
Mammea americana ______ (originally grew on Caribbean islands)
Mammee Apple (or Santo Domingo Apple)

Mammea americana is sometimes confused with the unrelated but similar-looking Mamey Sapote Tree (Pauteria sapota) whose fruit is also called Mammee, or Mamey.

Family CANELLACEAE

Genus CANELLA
Canella winterana ______ CY MX(YU) (critically endangered in CY)
White Cinnamon
Pepper Cinnamon (name in CY)

Canella winterana is a native species throughout the Caribbean and on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.
It has a similar fragrance and and flavor to Cinnamomum verum in the LAURACEAE family.
Although historical reports suggest that the leaves, bark, and berries of Canella winterana were regularly used as food and drink - especially since it was plentiful and inexpensive.
Today, however, Cinnamomum verum, the Ceylon Cinnamon, is the preferred spice in the cuisine of the Yucatan.
(from the book: "Yucatan, Recipes from a Culinary Expedition" by David Sterling)

Family CAMPANULACEAE (Bellflowers)

Genus CENTROPOGON

Plants in CENTROPOGON, with their deep flowers, are favored for food by the White-tipped Sicklebill, the hummingbird with the most strongly curved bill.

Hummingbird Flower Mites (Rhinoseius colwelli), that ride from plant to plant in the nostrils of hummingbirds, are often found in centropogons.
Centropogon granulosus ______ CR (TPCR:290)

In Costa Rica, Centropogon granulosus occurs on the Caribbean side of the country. It is larger than Centropogon solanifolius (below).
Centropogon solanifolius ______ CR (TPCR:290) occurs from Costa Rica to Peru
Centropogon
S: Gallito
Centropogon talamancansis ______ CR (TPCR:320) endemic to Costa Rica, from 8,400 to over 9,000 feet above sea level

The flowers of Centropogon talamancansis are pollinated by the Magnificent Hummingbird, Eugenes fulgens.
But the shorter-billed Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Panterpe insignis, may be seen talking nectar from holes made by the Slaty Flower-piercer, Diglossa plumbea.
In the flowers, there are hummingbird mites.

Fiery-throated Hummingbird

Genus HIPPOBROMA
Hippobroma longiflora ______ CR (TPCR:85)
Little Milk-star
S: Jazmin de la Estrella

Hippobroma longiflora has recently been said to have originated in the West Indies. It is now naturalized in the neotropics from Mexico to Peru and Brazil.

Hippobroma longiflora is the only member of its genus.

Genus LOBELIA
Lobelia laxiflora (*) (ph) ______ CR GU (TPCR:86) occurs from southern Arizona in the US south to Colombia
Lobelia
S: Arctitos, or Caragallo

In Costa Rica, Lobelia laxiflora occurs from 3,000 to 7,800 feet above sea level. It is common in the Central, Talamanca, and Tilaran ranges, often in disturbed areas such as roadsides, embankments, and old pastures.

Lobelia laxiflora,
from the "Flowers of Guatemala"

Family CANNACEAE (Canna)

now includes ULMACEAE (CELTIS, TREMA, and ULMUS)

Genus AMPELOCERA
Ampelocera hottlei ______ CR

Genus CANNA
Canna edulis (ph) ______ GU
S: Platanillo, or Cucuyu

Flowers of Canna edulis, in Guatemala, are much smaller than those of the magnificent horticultural cannas that are grown in gardens of North America.
From the wild cannas of tropical America, of which there are several species, magnificent many-colored forms have been developed that are now popular in gardens throughout the world.

In Guatemala, an interesting thing about Canna edulis is that it is commonly seen in the dooryards of the Indian's homes, where in all likelihood it has been cultivated since pre-Columbian times.
While probably native to the warmer lower country of Guatemala, it is often seen in the gardens of Antigua, at five thousand feet or higher above sea level.

The roots of Canna edulis are known in Spanish as achira. They are eaten in parts of South America.

Most cannas are called platanillo in Central America, but in Guatemala the large-flowered cultivated forms are usually known as cucuyus.

Canna edulis,
from the "Flowers of Guatemala"
Canna glauca ______ CR grows in Costa Rica in Guanacaste
Canna indica ______ CR GU native to the Western Hemisphere, not originally in India
Indian Shot (an herbaceous plant)
S: Bandera Espanola, or Platanillo, or Yuquilla

Canna indica is cultivated in Costa Rica, and sometimes escapes.
Canna tridiflora ______ CR native to Peru, cultivated in Costa Rica
Canna tuerckheimii ______ CR native to Costa Rica

Genus CELTIS: Hackberries
Celtis iguanaea ______ CR CY (endangered in CY)

Celtis iguanaea is a host plant for the caterpillar of the butterfly Doxocopa laure, the Silver Emperor.
Celtis schippii ______ CR
Celtis trinervia ______ CY (endemic to the Greater Antilles and Cayman Islands) (critically endangered in CY)

Genus TREMA
Trema lamarckianum ______ CY (endemic to the West Indies) (vulnerable in CY)
Trema micrantha ______ CR (TPCR:71)
S: Juco, or Capulin

Genus ULMUS
Ulmus mexicana ______ CR
Mexican Elm

Family CAPPARACEAE (Capers)

Genus CAPPARIS
Capparis cynophallophora ______ CY (endangered in CY)
Jamaican Caper (or Headache Bush, name in CY)
Capparis ferruginea ______ CY (vulnerable in CY)
Devil Head (name in CY)
Capparis flexuosa ______ CY
Raw Bones (name in CY)

Genus CLEOME
Cleome procumbens ______ CY
Cat's Whiskers (name in CY)

Family CARICACEAE (Papaya Plants)

Genus CARICA
Carica papaya (*) (ph) ______ BR BZ CR MX(YU) (TPCR:171) native to the tropical Western Hemisphere, including Caribbean islands
Papaya (or Pawpaw) (a giant-rosette plant)
P: Mamao
S: Lechosa, or Papaya

Although said to be a tree, the stem of the Papaya (or Pawpaw) is largely hollow and the plant lacks the wood characteristic of normal trees.
The stem is unbranched with a crown of large, palmate leaves springing from the top. There are separate male, female, and hermaphrodite plants, but only the females and hermaphrodites bear fruit.
The fruits vary in size, with some attaining a weight of ten pounds or more.
The flesh is yellowish-orange when ripe, with small dark seeds scattered in it.
Papaya is often eaten as a breakfast dish with, at times, some lime squeezed over it.
Both the fruit and the leaves contain papain, a protein-digesting enzyme. That enzyme can be extracted and used as a meat tenderizer.

Outside in nature, birds that feed on Papaya include: toucans, thrushes, an assortment of tanagers, euphonias, woodpeckers, and others.

Papaya, photographed during a FONT tour in Belize
(photo by Marie Gardner)

Genus CARPOTROCHE
Carpotroche brasiliensis ______ BR
P: Sapucainha

Birds that feed on Carpotroche brasilienis include various parakeets.

Genus JACARATIA
Jacaratia dolichaula ______ CR MX(YU)
Wild Papaya
S: Papaya Silvestre, or Papaya de Venado, or Papaya de Montana, or Bonete, or Cuaguayote

Bonete, as Jacaratia dolichaula is called in the Yucatan region of Mexico, is a relative of the well-known Papaya, Carica papaya (above).
Bonete, or Wild Papaya is an odd-looking fruit, from 5 to 7 inches tall and 1 and a half to 2 and a half inches wide, characterized by five vertical ribs or fins hat flare out top to bottom.

The plant is native to southeastern Mexico and Central America. It is rarely cultivated, rather the fruits are harvested from the wild in season, which is April and May.
The plant Jacaratia dolichaula is said to be threatened.

The fruit is only rarely found in markets. It is consumed as a hand fruit and has a taste similar to Papaya.

The word "Bonete" is from the ducal hat worn by nobles and those in the high orders of the Catholic Church.
(from the book: "Yucatan, Recipes from a Culinary Expedition" by David Sterling)

Family CARYOCARACEAE (or RHIZOBOLACEAE)

Genus CARYOCAR
Caryocar costaricense ______ CR
S: Ajillo, or Ajo, or Aji
Caryocar nuciferum ______ CR

Family CELASTRACEAE (Bittersweet, or Staff-vine)

Genus CROSSOPETALUM
Crossopetalum caymanense ______ CY (endemic to Cayman Islands)
Crossopetalum rhacoma ______ CY (endemic to the West Indies)
Snake Berry

Genus ELAEODENDRON
Elaeodendron xylocarpum (var. attenuatum) ______ CY (critically endangered in CY)
Wild Calabash

Genus GYMINDA
Gyminda latifolia ______ CY (endemic to the West Indies) (critically endangered in CY)

Genus MAYTENUS
Maytenus buxifolia ______ CY (critically endangered in CY)

Genus SCHAEFFERIA
Schaeffria frutescens ______ CY (critically endangered in CY)

Family CHENOPODIACEAE (Goosefoots)

Genus ATRIPLEX
Atriplex pentandra ______ CY

Genus SALICORNIA
Salicornia bigelovii ______ CY (endangered in CY)
Salicornia virginica ______ CY

Family CHRYSOBALANACEAE

Genus CHRYSOBALANUS
Chrysobalanus icaco ______ CY (critically endangered in CY)
Cocoplum

Family CLETHRACEAE

Genus CLETHRA
Clethra lanata ______ CR
Clethra
S: Nance

Family CLUSIACEAE (Balsam, Clusias)

There are about 28 species of CLUSIA in Costa Rica.

Genus CLUSIA
Clusia flava ______ CY
Balsam (name in CY)
Clusia major ______ (originally grew in Central America and northern South America, and Caribbean islands)
Autograph Tree (with simple, opposite leaves)
S: Copey, or Tampaco
Clusia rosea ______ CY (endangered in CY)
Balsam (name in CY)
Clusia stenophylla ______ CR (TPCR:291)

Birds disperse the seeds of Clusia stenophylla. Moths pollinate its flowers at night. Hummingbirds and various insects visit during the day.

Family COCHLOSPERMACEAE

Genus COCHLOSPERMUM
Cochlospermum vitifolium ______ CR (TPCR:24,25) occurs from Mexico to northern South America
Buttercup Tree
S: Poroporo

Cochlospermum vitifolium is the only species in the COCHLOSPERMACEAE family in Costa Roca, where it is at low elevations (below 3,000 feet) on the Pacific side in second growth.

Family COMBRETACEAE (Bush-willows, Combretums, Almond)

includes a Bush-mangrove, in the genus CONOCARPUS,
and the White Mangrove, in the genus LAGUNCULARIA

Genus COMBRETUM
Combretum grandiflorum ______ BR

Combretum grandiflorum is especially attractive to feeding hummingbirds.

Genus CONOCARPUS
Conocarpus erectus ______ CR CY (TPCR:342) occurs from Mexico to South America, and in the West Indies (vulnerable in CY)
Buttonwood Mangrove (or Gray Mangrove)
S: Mangle Botoncillo, or Mangle Torcido, or Mangle Negro

Conocarpus erectus is often referred to as a "mangrove-associate" because it grows in less-inundated areas than typical mangroves.

Genus LAGUNCULARIA
Laguncularia racemosa ______ CR CY (vulnerable in CY)
White Mangrove

In the Dominican Republic, the White Mangrove is a food plant for the butterfly Eunica monima, the Dingy Purplewing.

Genus TERMINALIA
Terminalia catappa (ph) ______ CR (TPCR:331) (the common name below, with Barbados, notwithstanding, originally grew along the coast in southern Asia)
Tropical Almond (a tree with simple, alternating leaves)
S: Alconorque, or Almendron, or Almendra de India

Other names for Terminalia catappa are Barbados Almond and Sea Almond.

Tropical Almond leaves. They turn red before they drop.
(photo courtesy of Michiel Koomen)
Teminalia eriostachya (var. margarretiae) ______ CY (critically endangered in CY)
Black Mastic
Terminalia oblonga ______ CR (TPCR:238)
Sura
S: Sura, Quiura, Guayabo de Monte

Family COMMELINACEAE (Dayflowers, or Spiderworts)

Genus CALLISIA
Callisia repens ______ CY (vulnerable in CY)

Genus COMMELINA
Commelina elegans ______ CY
Water Grass (name in CY)

Genus DICHORISANDRA
Dichorisandra thyrsiflora ______ (originally grew in Brazil)
Blue Ginger (herbaceous plant)

Genus TRADESCANTIA
Tradescantia spathacea ______ (originally grew in Central America)
Boat Lily (or "Moses-in-the-Cradle") (herbaceous plant)
P: Roel

Genus WELDENIA
Weldenia candida (ph) ______ GU
"Wandering Jew"

Weldenia candida is native in Guatemala on volcanic slopes among the lush growth of canyons in cloud forests.
It occurs at about 8,000 feet above sea level, and up to 12,000 feet, in areas of tundra and old cypress trees.

Weldenia candida,
from the "Flowers of Guatemala"

Family CONVOLVULACEAE (Morning Glories)

Genus DICHONDRA
Dichondria repens ______ CY

Genus EVOLVULUS
Evolvulus convolvuloides ______ CY
Evolvulus squamosus ______ CY (endangered in CY)
Crab Bush (name in CY)

Genus IPOMOEA

There are about 500 species of IPOMOEA in the world, with most in the tropics. There are close to 50 species of IPOMOEA in Costa Rica.
Ipomoea alba ______ CR (TPCR:88)
Pantropical Moon Flower

The Pantropical Moon Flower is an "evening glory" that opens at dusk. It has a nocturnal perfume that attracts hawkmoths.
Ipomoea batatas (ph) ______ GU MX(YU) (native to tropical America)
Sweet Potato
S: Camote, or Boniato. or Batata

The Sweet Potato, or Camote, as it is called in the Yucatan, is a starchy root vegetable that has long played an important role in the life of the Mayan people, both as a food and as a symbolic "lid" to the underworld.
For that reason, at some places the root is harvested only at noon because farmers consider that time of day to be a less risky hour to open the passageway to darkness.
In past times, children would make a bracelet of thread, painted indigo blue, and hung from it the bone of an agouti, or paca, believing it to be a lucky charm to help them more easily find Camotes.

There are 4 varieties of Camote in the Yucatan region of Mexico: "Cuban", white (or blanco), purple, and yellow.
Camote blanco is the most consumed of the four varieties. It may be candied in sugar or honey.

In rural Mayan communities, Camote is still cooked in a hearth, nestled among the hot ashes. It is also combined with maize (or corn) to make a porridge.
Sweetened Camote is used to fill Pastelitos, which are tiny empanadas dusted with powdered sugar.

(from the book: "Yucatan. Recipes from a Culinary Expedition" by David Sterling)



Ipomoea batatas,
from the "Flowers of Guatemala"
Ipomoea carnea ______ GU
Pink Morning Glory
Ipomoea imperati ______ CY
Ipomoea indica (var. acuminata) ______ CR CY DR

In Costa Rica, Ipomoea indica is a cultivated morning glory.

In the Dominican Republic, Ipomoea indica is a food plant for the butterfly Battus polydamas, the Gold Rim Swallowtail.
Ipomoea lobata ______ (native to tropical and subtropical America)
Firecracker Vine (or Spanish Flag) (climbing plant with simple, alternating leaves)
S: Bandera Espanola

With its tubular flowers, Ipomoea lobata differs markedly from other species in the genus.
Ipomoea mexicana (or Ipomoea purpurea) ______ GU
Ipomoea passifloroides ______ CY (nearly endemic to the Cayman Islands)
Ipomoea pes-caprae ______ CR (TPCR:333) (grows by tropical beaches of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans)
Ipomoea pes-caprae (var. brasiliensis) ______ CY
Beach Morning Glory (a herbaceous plant)
P: Batata de Mar
S: Bejuco de Playa, or Pudre Oreja
Ipomoea quamoclit ______ (native to tropical America)
Cardinal Climber (climbing plant with simple, alternating leaves)
P: Corda de Viola
S: Cabello de Angel
Ipomoea trifida ______ CR (TPCR:87)
Morning Glory
S: Churristate, or Pudre Oreja

Ipomoea trifida is a widespread species. It is found from Mexico to northern South America.
In Costa Rica, it grows in lowlands up to 4,500 feet above sea level, on roadsides, streamsides, and pasture edges.
It is common in the Guanacaste area of Costa Rica.
Ipomoea umbraticola ______ CR (TPCR:87)
Ipomoea violacea ______ CY

Genus JACQUEMONTIA
Jacquemontia havanensis ______ CY

Family COSTACEAE (Costus Family, inc. Spiral Gingers)

Genus CHEILOCOSTUS
Cheilocostus speciosus ______ CR (TPCR:128) originally from southeast Asia
Crepe Ginger
S: Cana Agria

Genus COSTUS

In Central America, plants in COSTUS are fed upon for their nectar by the hummingbird, the Violet Sabrewing, Campylopterus hemileucurus.

In Central America, plants in COSTUS are fed upon for their nectar by the hummingbird, the Violet Sabrewing, Campylopterus hemileucurus.
Costus allenii ______ PN (on Barro Colorado Island)
Costus laevis ______ CR
Wild Ginger
S: Cana Agria
Costus malortieanus ______ CR (common at La Selva)
Costus pulverulentus ______ CR (common at La Selva)
Costus scaber ______ BR
a Spiral Ginger

Costus scaber is a plant in northern Amazonian Brazil favored of food by the large and colorful hummingbird, the Crimson Topaz, Topaza pella.
That hummingbird has been seen during FONT tours north of Manaus.

Family CRASSULACEAE (Stonecrop, or Orpine Family)

Genus KALANCHOE

On some Caribbean islands in the eastern West Indies, KALANCHOE plants are a favored food source for the hummingbird, the Green-throated Carib. Eulampis holosericeus.

Family CUCURBITACEAE (Gourds, or Cucumbers)

Genus CIONOSICYOS
Cionosicyos pomiformis ______ CY (nearly endemic to the Cayman Islands) (vulnerable)
Duppy Gourd (name in CY)

Genus CITRULLUS
Citrullus lanatus ______
Watermelon

Genus CUCURBITA: Pumpkins, or Squashes (native to the American tropics; now grown throughout, including on Caribbean islands)

The genus CUCURBITA is composed of approximately 27 species, 19 or so of which are wild, and 6 domesticated. The center of diversity is in Mesoamerica.
CUCURBITA has been cultivated for at least 4,000 years in the Yucatan region of Mexico, where a great diversity exists and where it is still possible to find wild ancestors of the cultivated plants.
CUCURBITA species continue in Mesoamerica to be very important, as they form part of a nutritionally complementary trio along with corn and beans.
Cucurbita argyrosperma ______ MX(YU)
Cushaw
S: Calabaza de Pepita Gruesa, or Calabraza Pipiana

It is said that the Cushaw, or Calabaza de Pepita Gruesa, was domesticated in southern Mexico around 7,000 years ago.
This squash is one of the first fruits harvested in the milpa, or crop field. Young ones are gathered in July and August, mature ones is September and October.
The spherical form of the fruit can reach a diameter of 8 inches. The distinctive pattern of the outer skin has white and green striations. The flesh is whitish to pale yellow and almost translucent.
The seeds of the Cushaw are valued as much or more than the flesh, such that the fruit itself is rarely found for sale in markets. The seeds have a white body.

Because the plant Cucurbita argyrosperma grows and spreads rapidly, forming an effective weed control, it is often the first crop to be planted.

Calabaza de Pepito Gruesa is consumed in the Yucatan as a vegetable when it is very young, fried in lard and salted, or boiled in water with salt and Seville orange juice.
Its flowers are chopped and fried with onion, mixed with scrambled eggs, or added to a soup.
As it matures, the flesh becomes very fibrous, such that it is undesirable as food for humans, and it is used instead as feed for pigs and barnyard fowl.
However, the seeds of the plant are particularly prized. They may be toasted, salted, and eaten whole, or shelled and ground to become the rich green sauce of the Yucatan's famous Papadzules.

(from the book: "Yucatan, Recipes from a Culinary Expedition" by David Sterling)
Cucurbita moschata ______ MX(YU)
Winter Squash (or West Indian Pumpkin, or Cuban Pumpkin)
S: Calabaza, or Calabaza de Pepita Menuda

The fruits of the Calabaza are varied, although the most common form in the Yucatan markets of Mexico, is flattened with segmented ridges all the way around.
The skin is very thin and dark green when young. It is thicker and yellow when it matures and as the size of the fruit enlarges up to 12 inches in diameter from the 2 to 6 inches that it was when it was green and young.
Young squash is harvested July to October. Mature squash, in November and December.

The Spanish word for squash seeds is Pepita.
In the markets in the Yucatan of Mexico, there are big burlap bags of 3 main types of squash seeds:
1) a small, pale brownish one that still has its shell
2) a larger one with a white shell
and 3) a green one from the same seed as the larger one but with the white shell removed.
The small seed is known as Pepita Menuda and comes from Cucurbita moschata.
The other two are known as Pepita Gruesa (or Pepita Verde if the shell is removed) and come from Cucurbita argyrosperma (above).
While squash seeds are used occasionally in other parts of Mexico, in the Yucatan region they continue as a vital part of nutrition and cuisine and are used in many regional dishes.
(from the book: "Yucatan, Recipes from a Culinary Expedition" by David Sterling)
Cucurbita pepo ______ MX(YU)
Summer Squash (or Zucchini)
S: Calabacita, or Calabraza Italiana, or Calabacin

Cucurbita pepo is the world's most extensively grown member of the genus. Among the long list of cultivars are such diverse forms of squashes as these:
crookneck, acorn, and zucchini, as well as the pumpkin so well known in relation to Halloween and pumpkin pies in the US and Canada,
In the Yucatan region of Mexico, Cucurbita pepo, Calabacita, is the least cultivated squash, with the least diversity, and with only variety, the zucchini, appearing in the markets, and it only infrequently.

Cucurbita pepo is notable for being the oldest cultivated squash. In Mesoamerica, it is one of the oldest of all species to be domesticated, with archaeological remains dating it to approximately 8,750 B.C.

The Calabacita is a long slender cylinder from 4 to 6 inches in length. It is a light green color with white streaks.
The flesh is a pale yellow green and has soft edible seeds when the fruit is young.
The plant flowers in the Yucatan from June to August. The young fruits are harvested in August.

In the Yucatan, the Calabacita is used in soups and stews. The fruits, stems, and flowers are all consumed

(from the book "Yucatan, Recipes from a Culinary Expedition" by David Sterling)

Genus FEVILLEA
Fevillea cordifolia ______ CY

Genus SECHIUM
Sechium edule ______ CR MX(YU) (TPCR:174) native to Mexico, now also grown on Caribbean islands
Christophine (or Vegetable Pear, Alligator Pear, or Mirliton)
S: Chayote, or Chayotera

The "Chayote" is a large type of squash whose flesh can be eaten raw or, more commonly, cooked as a vegetable to accompany a main meat dish.

The plant Sechium edule is unusual in that, rather than spreading on the ground, its vine must climb up a vertical surface.
The fruit measures from 3 and a half to 5 inches in length. It is pale green, and the flesh is watery and somewhat insipid, with a vaguely sweet taste.
It has one large, soft edible seed in the center, which has a slight flavor of almonds.

There are two varieties of Chayote: a smallish one with a smooth skin, and a larger one covered with spines.

The plant is native to Mexico (as noted above), and also to Guatemala. It is harvested year-round in the Yucatan region.

When Chayote is sliced in half lengthwise, it has the appearance of the sole of a shoe. Stuffed with meat, the dish is known as "Chancletas" or "sandals".

(from the book: "Yucatan Recipes from a Culinary Expedition" by David Sterling)

Family CUPRESSACEAE (Cypress, Juniper)

Genus CUPRESSUS
Cupressus lusitanica ______ CR (TPCR:223) originally from central Mexico to Honduras
Mexican Cypress
S: Cipres

Genus JUNIPERUS
Juniperus gracilior ______ DR (endemic to Hispaniola, mountain ranges: Bahoruco, Massif de la Selle)
S: Sabina

Family CYCLANTHACEAE

Genus CARLUDOVICA
Carludovica drudei ______ CR
Carludovica palmata ______ CR
Panama Hat Palm

Carludovica palmata is the true Panama hat palm. Panama Hats, or Jipijapas, are made from the young leaf fibers from the plant.
Panama Hats originally came from Ecuador, but they became popular when the Panama Canal was built, hence the name.

Carludovica palmata is often cultivated.
Carludovica rotundifolia ______ CR (TPCR:89,90) occurs from Honduras to Panama
S: Chidra

Carludovica rotundifolia is similar to Carludovica palmata, but the leaf of Carludovica palmata has longer and more irregular segments or teeth.
Carludovica sulcata ______ CR

Family CYATHEACEAE (Tree Ferns)

Genus CYATHEA

A Tree Fern in the genus Cythea, photographed at Copalinga in southern Ecuador,
during the FONT tour in April 2014 (photo by Marie Gardner)
Cyathea sp. ______ EC (in the above photo)

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