Galapagos flora

There are 560 native species of plants in the islands, in other words, plants which arrived in the islands by natural means. Of these, 180 are endemic to the islands, meaning they are found nowhere else on earth. Many endemic plants are rare and endangered, but on the whole, Galapagos plants tend to be 'pioneer' species, hardy plants which successfully cross oceans and manage to establish themselves in the often hostile environment of islands. Because relatively few plants succeed in doing this, the flora is 'depauperate' - there are far fewer species here than in similar environments on the South American mainland. Plants are also adapted to having very few insects or other animals to pollinate their flowers or disperse their fruits and seeds. This means there are few big, showy flowers to attract pollinators and few specialized fleshy fruits.

Most likely the flora of the islands started this way:

• With spores and seeds carried by the winds and "stopped" by the newly formed islands.
• By seeds stuck to feet and plumage of migratory birds, or passed through their digestive system.
• Via chunks of vegetation rushed to the sea by overflowing rivers and conducted throughout the ocean by the marine currents.

Going from shores to highlands, it has been agreed to define five zones of vegetation life in Galapagos:

1. Coastal. The sea borders are apt to salt water plants like the Red Mangrove, with its typical aerial roots in Isabela and Santa Cruz; and the Beach Morning Glory abundant in Santiago.
2. Arid. Cacti territories! Among a good variety, the big and famous Opuntia Cactus, (prickly-pear) in many places the only source of food and moisture for reptiles; and the graceful Candelabra Cactus. Among the newer black lavas you find Brachycereus Cactus (or aptly called lava cactus). Another typical of the zone, and common on all large islands, is a Bursera Tree of light bark called Palo Santo (holy wood), after the reddish sap that bleeds from wounds. High number of endemic plant species.
3. Humid. Epiphytes like orchids, mosses, ferns and lichens thrive in this zone's constant moisture and ornate trees and shrubs with color and charm. Typical at this degree of humidity are the Scalesias and Pisonias. Not much is said about the highlands of Galápagos, but in reality this is an amazing cloud forest with unique features.
4. Miconia. Particular to San Cristobal and Santa Cruz, this zone is named after the ever-present Miconias that require high humidity.
5. Pampa. In the populated islands this is farmland or Pampas. The temperature is low and grass is abundant; good to cultivate commercial products and raise cattle.