Some plants of the Ecuadorian coast are the orchids, bromeliads and lilies. Its location and low altitude encourage a very stable climate whose temperature is practically unchanged throughout the year.
There is also abundant rainfall that forms a tropical rainforest climate. The flora of the Ecuadorian slope is part of one of the most diverse and varied plant ecosystems in the world.
Ecuador is home to 10% of all plant species that exist in the world, being the area of the Ecuadorian coast humid and warm, providing good conditions for many plants.
The most common plants of the Ecuadorian coast
In Ecuador grow some of the most appreciated flowers in the world for its beauty, so they are an important part of the country's exports when natural products are concerned. Their destination is usually the United States and Europe.
1- Orchid
There are around 25 thousand species of orchids in the world and more than 4 thousand can be found in Ecuador including 1,300 that are exclusive to the South American country.
Orchids take a long time to flower (more than 3 years) and require a lot of care, which is why they are expensive flowers. It is the most exported plant on the coast.
2- Rosa
Considered by many specialists the best roses in the world, they have superior characteristics to other varieties grown in other countries.
The light conditions, the fertility of the land and the altitude make the roses of the Ecuadorian coast can live up to a month after being cut.
They are another important agricultural export product.
3- Water lily
It is a very resistant plant that is found abundantly on the coast and its surroundings, as it grows in ponds, lakes, rivers and aquatic areas. That's where his name comes from.
4- Dandelion
It grows in abundance in the area where the coast begins to intermingle with the savanna and the forest, being considered even a plague in some plantations.
Its root has multiple medicinal properties.
5- Aloe
Also known as aloe vera , is one of the best known and abundant medicinal plants of Ecuador and South America in general.
It has uses as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic.
6- Pilgrimage
They are extremely strong and can flourish in almost any environment, they are sought for their beauty and their consumption as food.
7- Mangle
Mangroves grow on the coasts of all of Central and South America, they do not have much use beyond being transformed into fuel by coastal inhabitants.
Its importance in the biosphere if it is important; Mangroves form ecosystems that provide home for many animal species.
8-Laurel
It grows in the form of a shrub and its leaves are used as a culinary condiment.
9- Palmito
This product is found inside several species of palm trees. It is very popular and in several places in America it is considered a real delicacy.
It is a very healthy vegetable, with low fat content and many vitamins and minerals. Ecuador is currently one of the largest exporters of Palmito in the world.
10- Bromelia
They have medicinal and aesthetic uses, and their fruit is edible.
They grow on the ground or on other trees and are considered creators of life , as they interact with their environment, encouraging the appearance of other plant and animal species such as fungi, algae and small insects.
References
- Native plants of Ecuador (s.f.). Retrieved on October 30, 2017, from Agropecuarios.
- Blanca Patiño (April 8, 2013). Plants native to the equator. Retrieved on October 30, 2017, from native plants of Ecuador.
- 100 plants of Ecuador (s.f.). Retrieved on October 30, 2017, from Parks & Tribes.
- Ecuador, the richest country in orchids (July 23, 2016). Retrieved on October 30, 2017, from El Telégrafo.
- The Ecuador Line gives the best roses in the world (May 13, 2017). Retrieved on October 30, 2017, from Sputnik.