Flora

Plants are the basis of all life within the Galapagos Islands.  Of the 500 species of "higher" plants 40% are endemic. These plants combined with the 200 species of introduced plants and 500 species of mosses, lichens and liverworts give the Galapagos its complex ecosystem.

The island's flora lives in specific zones.  Understanding these zones helps with identification and appreciation of the flora. From the Mangrove Swamps that cover the wet coastal zone and the Prickly Pear Cactus of the Arid Lowlands to the Scalesia Trees and Miconia of the higher Humid Zones the Galapagos hosts an interesting array of flora.

Life Zones

Climate on the islands varies from dry low areas along the coast to the high moist areas near the volcano tops. In total there are 7 zones within the archipelago.

Various plants and animals have adapted over the years to the conditions of the islands and in some cases the condition of the zone. Flora is normally found in a specific zone, and the fauna dependent on those plants can be found there as well. Some birds and animals migrate between zones depending on conditions.

Coastal Zone

The lowest life zone on the island is the coastal zone. Those plants that exist on the seas edge can be divided into two portions the Wet Coastal Zone or Mangrove Zone and the Dry Coastal Zone or Beaches and High Tide Areas.

Mangroves live in the Wet Coastal Zone. These salt-tolerant trees and shrubs thrive in shallow and muddy saltwater or brackish waters. In the Galapagos there are 4 varieties of Mangroves including the Black Mangrove, White Mangrove, Red Mangrove, and Button Mangrove.

The Dry Coastal Zone is made up of the dry sandy area from the sea to the high water line. This area supports low lying spreading plants which are able to retain water including the Sesuvian Portulacastrum an herb whose stem turns a bright reddish color during the dry season.

Arid Lowlands Zone

As an island slopes from the beach to an elevation of about 197 ft (60 m) elevation an arid desert like zone occurs. This region is home to the many Cactus that live in the Galapagos including the Prickly Pear Cactus, Lava Cactus and Candelabra Cactus. Vine plants also make their home in the Arid Lowlands. The endemic lava morning glory and endemic passionflower can be found in this zone.

At the top of the Arid Lowlands the silvery leafed Palo Santo Tree with its collection of lichens can be seen.

Transitional Zone

Rising up the island plants become more frequent. In the Transition Zone plants from both the Arid Lowlands and the Upper Moist Zones occur. This zone is home to a variety of small trees or shrubs including the endemic Pega Pega Tree and the endemic Guaybillo, which produces a small white flower that develops into a fruit similar to its cousin the Guava.

The Galapagos Tomato, endemic to the islands is a salt resistant tomato that has been used to create a hybrid, which is capable of growing in salty soil around the world.

Scalesia Zone

The lowest of the "humid" zones this zone is named for the daisy tree that grows between 970-1970 ft (300 - 600 m) elevations. The Scalesia is one of the few trees in the Aster Family and grows to heights 16 - 50 ft (5-15 m) in height. Its trunk and branches are covered with moss and lichens. This area is humid and has the essence of being in a rainforest.

Scalesia Trees have been greatly reduced in numbers since humans arrived in the islands. With them came pigs and goats, which devour the young plants and feed on older plants. People also introduced the Guava, a plant whose dense growth patterns steals nutrients and eventually makes it impossible for competing plants to survive.

Miconia Zone

Above the Scalesia Zone at 1950 - 2300 ft (600-700 m) is the humid zone named for the Miconia shrub that once dominated this region. The Miconia Robinsoniana grows to heights of 10-13 ft (3-4 m). It's leaves easily identify it with their yellow or reddish shading on the edges.

The Miconia is endemic to the Galapagos, but since the arrival of man it has become the most endangered plant in the islands. Introduced cattle have grazed the Miconia into dangerously low levels.

Pampa Zone

On islands with elevations over 3000 ft (900 m) the highest vegetation zone in the Galapagos can occur, the Fern-Sedge Zone or Pampa Zone. The appearance of this zone depends on the amount of moisture it receives. This region contains no true trees or shrubs. The tall Galapagos Tree Fern and Liverworts are commonly found in this zone.