Gardening
in Panama - Articles
Submitted by Others - Carla Black - Heliconia:
- Carla Black - Heliconia Collector, near
Volcán
I started collecting Heliconias about 9
years ago, because they're colorful and I
thought they'd be easy to care for because
they are native to Panama.
It turned out to be true.
Angel and I started by buying rhizomes from
growers in Costa Rica, and soon plants along
side the road attracted our attention. Not
long after, I got the Berry and Kress book,
Heliconia, and once I could identify the
plants, my interest grew quickly. Now I
increase my collection by growing seeds I
trade and with people around the world.
There are about 225 species of Heliconia in
the world, mostly in the Neotropics, with 6
species in the South Pacific. Panama is home
to about 50 species, 12 of which are
endemic. I have approximately 150 different
kinds of heliconias, counting species and
varieties.
Lowland species seen along side the road are
easy to grow, and respond beautifully to a
little care in the garden. Some highland
cloud forest species are more difficult, or
even impossible, to grow if their habitat
conditions are not replicated. So just as
with any group of plants, there is variation
in adaptability to the garden.
We accept visitors in groups who come with
an appointment. Call 6618-5704
Donna has also written an article on
Heliconia for Vivir Bien
http://www.whypanama.net/Articles/jardineria48.pdf
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