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Top 20 Most Common Plants in Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, you can find Pepper, Snake plant, Maize, Heart of jesus, Jade plant, and more! There are 20 types of plants in total. Be sure to look out for these common plants when you’re walking on the streets, in parks, or public gardens.

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Most Common Plants
Pepper
1. Pepper
The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.
Snake plant
2. Snake plant
Snake plant can be considered a houseplant and an architectural display due to its sword-like leaves with bold striping patterns, which are distinctive and eye-catching. However, use caution with this plant because it is poisonous when ingested and can cause nausea, vomiting, and even swelling of the throat and tongue.
Maize
3. Maize
Maize (Zea mays) is a well known domesticated cereal grain first domesticated in Mexico. In much of the world it is also called corn. Worldwide cultivation of maize surpasses other prominent grains like wheat and rice. Maize must be planted in the spring due to its intolerance for cold weather.
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Heart of jesus
4. Heart of jesus
The heart of jesus is a poisonous leafy plant. Its paper-thin, heart-shaped leaves lend the plant its common nickname, along with names like "angel wings" and "elephant ear." Though native to South America, its primary hub of cultivation is now around Lake Placid, Florida, where it has become a popular centerpiece for an annual festival.
Jade plant
5. Jade plant
Looking like a miniature fairy tale tree, jade plant is one of the world's most popular succulents. Native to southern regions of Africa, Crassula ovata is well adapted to the dry warm air of modern homes. It grows slowly but lives for so long that plants get passed from generation to generation. It is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, and even mildly toxic to humans.
Common lantana
6. Common lantana
The common lantana is a flowering plant that grows best in tropical environments. It spread outside the Americas when the Dutch brought it to Europe. The plant is generally regarded as an unwanted weed that reduces biodiversity. Additionally, it is toxic to livestock and harms the output of farmland.
Swiss cheese plant
7. Swiss cheese plant
The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.
Common bean
8. Common bean
Common bean is one of the most widely produced cash crops in the world, with 23.6 million tons grown in 2016. China is the largest producer of common bean, accounting for 79% of the market share. While common bean is known as a staple food source, the leaves can be used to trap bedbugs and the beans are widely used in a type of fortune-telling called "pharmancy".
Ti plant
9. Ti plant
The ti plant is a palm-like shrub that symbolizes the connection between the living and the dead for some Austronesian cultures, having many ceremonial purposes. In practical terms, ti plant is used to make dyes and is grown for ornamentation.
Dieffenbachia
10. Dieffenbachia
The focal point of a dieffenbachia is the beautiful look and patterns of the foliage, which are often variegated. This plant has showy white blooms, but only flowers in perfect conditions. Use caution, because the dieffenbachia is poisonous; if the sap is ingested it can cause muteness for up to two weeks by numbing the throat and vocal cords.
Corn plant
11. Corn plant
Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) is an evergreen, slow-growing perennial shrub native to tropical Africa. Also, it is a classic houseplant, grown in Europe since the 1800s. Its glossy green foliage that resembles corn leaves grow on top of a thick cane, which is why the plant is sometimes called “false palm tree.”
Silver inch plant
12. Silver inch plant
The silver inch plant is a popular trailing plant known for its attractive foliage with zebra-like stripes of green, silver, and purple. Tradescantia zebrina is very easy to care for and can be hung or placed indoors. The plant grows fast; the creeping stems bear roots along the way, making it suitable as ground cover.
Chinese hibiscus
13. Chinese hibiscus
Chinese hibiscus is a small flowering tree. Its fragrant flowers are well known the world over, leading to many cultivated variants. Chinese hibiscus is the national flower of Malaysia and is featured on Malaysian coins. Although the Latin name, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, means “the rose of China,” it is not related to true roses.
Golden pothos
14. Golden pothos
The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.
Avocado
15. Avocado
Persea americana, widely known as the avocado plant, is an evergreen tree (semi-deciduous in cooler climates) that is native to Central America. It is cultivated all over the world for its nutritious fruits. Avocado has become an important plant in many cuisines due to its high nutrient and fat content, creamy texture, and distinct taste.
Tomato
16. Tomato
Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.
Papaya
17. Papaya
Papaya is a fruit-bearing plant that originates from Central America. The fruits are edible and sweet and juicy when ripe. An enzyme collected from the milky sap is used as a meat softener, which if ingested may be toxic. Keeping a papaya plant in your garden will welcome many birds to your landscape.
Flame of the woods
18. Flame of the woods
The flame of the woods is a popular warm-weather garden shrub due to its versatility and unique, bright red leaves. It can be used as a hedge, in flower beds, or even grown as a small tree. The flame of the woods is also popular as a standalone patio plant because of its hardiness and distinctive appearance. The genus name, Ixora, was derived from a poorly transliterated rendition of the Hindu god, Shiva's name.
Common coleus
19. Common coleus
The common coleus is a plant that comes in a wide range of colors and leaf forms. This plant, also known as Coleus scutellarioides, is native to Southeast Asia and is used as an herbal remedy in various cultures. Common coleus is a narcotic used by the Mazatec people of Mexico. In Cuba, this plant is considered invasive.
Lima bean
20. Lima bean
The lima bean is an annual bushy or creeping, perennial herbaceous plant whose stems can reach lengths of 2 to 4 meters. The petals are usually light green, sometimes purple.
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More Plants in Costa Rica

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Most Common Toxic Plants

Costa Rica's rich biodiversity is fostered by its tropical climate, fertile soils, and varying altitudes, creating an ideal environment for a plethora of plant species, including toxic ones. While the lush habitats nurture diverse flora, the incidence of toxic plants such as , , and raises certain ecological and health considerations, demonstrating the complexity of maintaining a balance amid its flourishing ecosystems.

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Most Common Flowers

Costa Rica boasts a tropical climate and fertile soil, creating an ideal environment for a diverse range of native flowers. Among them, , , and are prominent. These flowers add to the visual splendor of the region and hold symbolic and ecological significance. While refraining from delving into specifics, it is important to rely on trustworthy sources to appreciate the beauty and importance of these Costa Rican blossoms.

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Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Costa Rica's Spring breathes life into landscapes, an array of floral colors emerge. unfurls its petals to the warming sun, while offers a fragrant promise of the new season. Not to be outshone, displays its vibrant hues, symbolizing the region's ecological richness. These blossoms not only mark the season's start but hold a cultural and environmental significance in this lush paradise.

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Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in Costa Rica bursts with life as plentiful rainfalls and warm sunshine kiss the fertile land, catalyzing a cornucopia of fruits to reach perfect ripeness. During this vivifying season, , , and abound, each offering a taste of the season's freshness. These staple fruits, picked at the peak of spring, are not just core to the local diet but also embody the country's celebration of rejuvenation and growth.

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Most Common Fruits

Costa Rica's tropical climate and fertile volcanic soil create an idyllic environment for the cultivation of an array of fruit plants. Notable local fruit plants such as , , and flourish in these conditions. These fruits are deeply woven into the cultural fabric of the country, not only serving as dietary staples but also playing integral roles in traditional cuisines and celebrations. The abundance and variety of fruit plants underscore Costa Rica's agricultural richness and biodiversity.

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Most Common Trees

Costa Rica's climatic and soil conditions provide the perfect habitat for a diverse range of native trees. Among the most emblematic trees in this region are , , and . These trees hold great significance both culturally and ecologically. They are deeply rooted in the local culture and play a vital role in preserving the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica. Through their presence, they contribute to the overall beauty and environmental stability of the region.

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Most Common Weeds

Costa Rica's warm, tropical climate with abundant rainfall creates a haven for various garden weeds. Among the rampant greens, , , and are particularly notorious for invading gardens. Their pervasive growth poses considerable challenges to gardeners and landscapers, as these weeds compete with domestic plants for nutrients, sunlight, and space, thereby necessitating diligent management efforts.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Costa Rica's lush environment, nourished by tropical rainforests and a network of microclimates, cultivates the growth of astounding arboreal giants. Among these, the eminent , soaring , and majestic stand as nature's skyscrapers. These titanic trees, steeped in ecological significance and resonating with historical reverberations, command a sense of both wonder and respect within this verdant, biologically rich territory.

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Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Costa Rica may be known for its serene cold, but it is also a time when certain flowers bravely blossom. Amidst the frosty environment, , , and showcase their resilience, beauty, and symbolic depth. Despite the chilly climate, these flowers bring color and life to Costa Rica's winter landscape.

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