Gardening in Panama - Articles submitted by others - Carla Black - Heliconia




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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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