Top 20 Most Common Plants in Panama

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Top 20 Most Common Plants in Panama

In Panama, you can find Madagascar periwinkle, Heart of jesus, Flame of the woods, Garden croton, Snake 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.

Most Common Plants

Madagascar periwinkle

1. Madagascar periwinkle

The madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is an evergreen subshrub or herbaceous plant. It has a long history of cultivation. Over the years, many cultivars have been developed, most commonly with the aim of incorporating new colors or making the plant more tolerant to cold.

Heart of jesus

2. 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.

Flame of the woods

3. 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.

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Garden croton

4. Garden croton

The garden croton is a showy tropical display that does well indoors or in warm climates. Known for its attractive foliage, this plant can have both color and structural variations in its leaves. Leaf colors can include orange, yellow, scarlet, white, and green, and many times all are present on one plant.

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.

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.

Zanzibar gem

7. Zanzibar gem

The zanzibar gem is a flowering green plant native to eastern Africa. It also gets the name emerald palm because of its bright, glossy color. Today, the zanzibar gem (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is grown around the world as a houseplant, in part because it is easy to grow and care for. Though this plant is mildly toxic if ingested, its danger level is often overstated.

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.

Red ginger

Red ginger (Alpinia purpurata) is a flowering perennial plant native to Malaysia. Red ginger is often cultivated as an ornamental houseplant. This plant is also called the "ostrich plume" and the "pink cone ginger." red ginger is the national flower of Samoa.

Flame violet

10. Flame violet

A flame violet (Episcia cupreata) plant is widely cultivated and desired for its cheerful-looking flowers and variegated green and coppery leaves. The genus name, Episcia, comes from the Greek word that means ‘shaded’; referring to its usual habitat. This plant crawls and trails and is ideal for a hanging basket, container, and ground cover.

Common coleus

11. 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.

Dieffenbachia

12. 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.

Golden pothos

13. 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.

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.

Crown of thorns

15. Crown of thorns

The Euphorbia milii is commonly known as the crown of thorns or Christ thorn, as it is believed to the plant associated with the crown of thorns that was worn by Christ. It needs to stay above 10 ℃ with full sun.

Parrot's beak

16. Parrot's beak

Parrot's beak (Heliconia psittacorum) is a perennial herb species native to the Caribbean and South America. The parrot's beak self-pollinates without additional pollination from insects pollinators. This species is often planted in tropical gardens.

Common lantana

17. 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.

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.”

Mexican petunia

19. Mexican petunia

Mexican petunia (Ruellia simplex) is an evergreen herbaceous perennial recognized by its wrinkly, trumpet-shaped purple flowers. It is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant. Due to its vigorous spreading ability, Ruellia simplex has become widely naturalized outside Mexico. It is considered an invasive species in many countries.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is an evergreen succulent species native to the Arabian Peninsula. The thick leaves are filled with gooey flesh that stores water for survival in its native desert territories. Aloe vera has become a popular houseplant and is also incorporated into a wide range of cosmetics and skin-care products.

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More Plants in Panama

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Most Common Toxic Plants

Panama's humid tropical climate, rich biodiversity, and dense rainforest ecosystems create a fertile breeding ground for a variety of flora, including toxic plants. The country's ample rainfall, temperature range, and well-drained soils allow species like , , and to thrive. The prevalence of such toxic plants poses potential risks to humans and animals inhabiting or exploring these regions.

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Most Common Flowers

Panama's tropical climate and rich soil provide an ideal environment for a diverse array of native flowers. Among them, , , and stand out as the most characteristic blossoms in the region. These flowers not only contribute to the visual beauty of Panama but also hold symbolic and ecological significance. With precise information from trusted sources, we can explore the captivating world of these flowers and appreciate their essence in the Panamanian environment.

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Most Common Flowers of Spring

With Spring's balmy breezes gracing Panama, a transformation unfolds, awakening a floral tapestry. Among this vivid display, , , and emerge as nature's beacons of rebirth. Their blossoms not only paint the landscape with color but also symbolize the cycle of life and the vibrant energy that defines the season.

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Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in Panama unfurls under a canopy of vitality, with warm sunshine and nourishing rains stirring the soil to life. It's a season where , , and reach their peak, providing a burst of fresh flavors. These fruits, emblematic of the region's lush biodiversity, not only satiate the local palate but also play a pivotal role in Panama's agrarian tapestry, marking springtime with a celebration of growth and renewal.

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Most Common Fruits

Panama's tropical climate and fertile volcanic soil create an ideal environment for a diversity of fruit plants. Renowned for both its humidity and rainfall, the country provides plenty of water to sustain vigorous growth. Among the myriad fruits, , , and stand out not only for their flavors but also for their cultural resonance locally. These fruit plants are deep-rooted in the country's culinary and export traditions, reflecting Panama's rich agricultural tapestry.

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Most Common Trees

Panama's tropical climate and rich soil make it a haven for diverse native trees. Among the emblematic species are , , and . These trees play a significant role in the region's culture and ecology. provides valuable timber, while is known for its medicinal properties. is revered for its environmental benefits, such as providing habitat for wildlife. Together, these trees contribute to the unique and vibrant ecosystem of Panama.

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Most Common Weeds

Panama's humid tropical climate with abundant rainfall creates a lush environment conducive to a variety of garden weeds. Among the most common, , , and persistently spring up in gardens, often outcompeting desired flora. They pose a significant challenge for gardeners and landscapers who strive to maintain pristine green spaces, requiring continual vigilance and management to curb their invasive growth.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Panama, cradled between the Caribbean and the Pacific, is a hotbed for growth with its tropical climate and rich, varied terrain. Here, colossal trees such as , , and punctuate the landscape, surging skyward as emblems of the area’s verdant biodiversity. They stand as living monuments, vital to both the ecological harmony and the historical tapestry that nestle within the country’s lush rainforests.

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Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in 'Panama' may be known for its serene cold, but it is also a haven for certain flower plants. Despite the chill, the , , and brightly bloom, defying the frosty environment. These resilient and beautiful flowers add a touch of color and give hope during the winter months, symbolizing strength and perseverance.

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