Puerto Rico Flowers
Puerto Rico boasts a rich and diverse array of flora thanks to its tropical climate. Here are some notable flowers commonly found in Puerto Rico:
- Flor de Maga (Thespesia grandiflora):
- This is Puerto Rico’s national flower. It resembles the hibiscus and is usually red or pink.
- Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis):
- Known locally as “Amapola”, hibiscus flowers are very popular and can be found in various colors including red, pink, yellow, and white.
- Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.):
- These vibrant, colorful flowers are commonly used in landscaping. They come in shades of pink, purple, red, orange, white, and yellow.
- Heliconia (Heliconia spp.):
- Often called “lobster claws” due to their unique shape and bright colors, heliconias are striking tropical flowers.
- Ginger Lily (Hedychium coronarium):
- Known locally as “Mariposa” or “Flor de Mariposa,” these fragrant white flowers are frequently found in moist areas.
- Orchids (Various genera):
- Puerto Rico has a wide variety of native orchids that thrive in its tropical environment. Some notable ones include the “Coqui’s orchid” (Tolumnia henekenii).
- Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae):
- These exotic flowers are known for their striking resemblance to a bird in flight and are characterized by vibrant orange and blue colors.
- Ixora (Ixora coccinea):
- Known locally as “Coralillo”, these small, tubular flowers grow in clusters and are often red, orange, pink, or yellow.
- Caribbean Trumpet Tree (Tabebuia heterophylla):
- Known locally as “Roble Blanco,” this tree produces beautiful clusters of pink to white trumpet-shaped flowers.
- Plumeria (Plumeria spp.):
- Often used in leis, plumeria flowers, also known as “Frangipani,” have a pleasant fragrance and come in a variety of colors such as white, yellow, pink, and red.
These are just a few examples of the many beautiful and diverse flowers that can be found in Puerto Rico. The island’s lush landscapes and favorable climate allow for a rich variety of flora to thrive.