Blooming Wonders: Wildflowers of Puriscal, Costa Rica

Puriscal, Costa Rica, bursts with vibrant wildflowers that transform our property into a living canvas. From fiery impatiens to delicate morning glories, these blooms reflect the area’s rich biodiversity and make every walk a delight. Here’s a glimpse of the floral wonders that make our Puriscal home so special.

Impatients

This vibrant scene of red impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) blanketing half the frame reminds me of their stunning beauty across our property. In our first few years here, these wildflowers carpeted the forest floor, their scarlet petals glowing against the greenery. Then, likely due to a fungal blight common in humid climates, they vanished across the region. Recently, they’ve begun to return, though not yet in their former glory. Each new bloom feels like a small victory, brightening our land.

Morning Glory

Purple morning glories (Ipomoea purpurea) climb wild in Puriscal’s dry forest, their trumpet-shaped blooms unfurling at dawn. This photo, taken a few years ago along a trail on our property, captures their vivid violet petals wrapping a tree trunk in a spectacular display. It’s a reminder of how nature paints even the simplest corners with brilliance.

Cedar Tree Branch

Draped over an outstretched branch of an ancient cedar tree behind our Chicken Palace, this yellow flowering vine—likely a native Allamanda—creates a breathtaking contrast against the green jungle hillside. Red air plants (Tillandsia) add pops of color, while orchids, not yet blooming, nestle among the branches. This vibrant scene showcases the tropical paradise right on our property.