Ecosystem knowledge

Dry forest

These public plant profiles are associated with this ecosystem label. Distribution and growing context remain specific to each plant.

Papaya

Carica quercifolia

The stem will grow to 60 centimetres in diameter and reach from 3-5m. It preferring a well drained soil with some water and some sun. The flowers are greenish-yellow. The genera name means from the leaves resembles with fig-leaves. The species name means 'with leaves like the oaks'.

ArgentinaBoliviaBrazil+4

Plant profile

codonanthe devosiana

Codonanthe devosiana is native to the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil. As part of the Gesneriaceae (African violet) family, it grows as an epiphyte—meaning it roots into tree bark and often naturally coexists with tree-dwelling ants.

Brazil

Hairy Column-foot Dendrobium

Dendrobium capillipes

Miniature to small epiphyte from dry deciduous and montane forests of the eastern Himalaya and Indochina, usually in exposed positions at 800-1500 m. Slender, clustered canes carry deciduous leaves and short racemes of bright yellow, fragrant flowers from the upper leafless nodes. Grow cool to intermediate with high light, good air movement, and a clearly drier, cooler winter rest followed by heavier watering in the growing season.

ChinaIndiaLaos+3

Dendrobium jenkinsii

Dendrobium jenkinsii

It is a small sized, warm to cool growing epiphyte, which reaching a height of 6-10 cm, with clustered, branching, fusiform to ovoid-oblong, 4 ribbed, somewhat flattened, 3-5 cm long pseudobulbs carrying a single, terminal, thickened, leathery, rigid, oval to oblong, obtuse, notched, 3-5 cm long leaves.

BhutanChinaIndia+3

Epidendrum polybulbon

Dinema polybulbon

Dinema polybulbon is a miniature, fragrant epiphytic (sometimes lithophytic) orchid native to the humid mountain forests of Mexico, Central America (Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama), and the Caribbean (Cuba, Jamaica). It thrives at elevations between 600 and 3,200 meters. Habitat: Humid mixed forests, specifically growing on trees (epiphytic) and rocks (lithophytic). Characteristics: Known for forming dense carpets of small, egg-shaped pseudobulbs. Synonyms: Often referred to by its older names, Epidendrum polybulbon or Encyclia polybulbon. This species is highly regarded for its compact size, making it ideal for terrariums and mounting, and it typically blooms in the winter to early spring.

BelizeCubaEl Salvador+6

Plant profile

Drosera anglica

Drosera anglica, commonly known as the great sundew or English sundew, is one of the most striking carnivorous plants of European peatlands and bog pools. This species is distinguished by its long, narrow, strap-shaped leaves, which lie low or gently arch over the surface of wet peat or shallow water. Each leaf is densely covered with red glandular tentacles that secrete shimmering droplets of sticky mucilage. Drosera anglica is strongly associated with open, waterlogged habitats, often growing directly in shallow bog pools, wet hollows, or floating sphagnum mats. It prefers full sun, cool temperatures, and consistently saturated, acidic conditions. The species occurs across parts of Northern and Western Europe. In early to mid-summer, slender flower stalks rise well above the trapping leaves, carrying small white flowers.

BelarusBelgiumCanada+15

Plant profile

Drosera binata

A sundew from the temperate and subtropical regions of Australia and New Zealand

AustraliaNew Zealand

Plant profile

Drosera intermedia

Drosera intermedia, commonly known as the oblong-leaved sundew or spoonleaf sundew, is a delicate yet highly specialized carnivorous plant native to European bogs, fens, and wet heathlands. Unlike the flat rosette of Drosera rotundifolia, Drosera intermedia typically forms a more upright, semi-erect growth habit. Its narrow, elongated leaves rise from the center of the plant and are densely covered with red glandular tentacles that exude sticky droplets of mucilage. These glistening traps efficiently capture small flying and crawling insects, which are then slowly enveloped by the leaf as it curls inward to digest its prey. Drosera intermedia favors constantly wet conditions and is often found growing directly in shallow standing water or saturated sphagnum moss. It is characteristic of open, sun-exposed bog pools and wet depressions, where competition from larger plants is minimal. In summer, the plant produces slender flower stalks bearing small white blossoms.

AlbaniaAustriaBelarus+28

Drosera rotundifolia

Drosera rotundifolia

Drosera rotundifolia, commonly known as the round-leaved sundew, is one of Europe’s most iconic carnivorous plants and a true symbol of nutrient-poor bog ecosystems. This small perennial forms a flat rosette of round, spoon-shaped leaves, each covered with fine red tentacles tipped with glistening droplets of sticky mucilage. Drosera rotundifolia thrives in acidic, water-saturated environments such as raised bogs, fens, and peatlands. It is widely distributed across northern and central Europe, including Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, and extends across much of the Northern Hemisphere. In summer, it produces delicate white flowers on long stalks that rise well above the sticky leaves: an elegant adaptation that protects pollinators from becoming unintended prey. Despite its modest size, the round-leaved sundew plays an important ecological role as an indicator species of intact, undisturbed bog habitats. Its presence signals clean water, low nutrient input, and a finely balanced microclimate.

AlbaniaAndorraArmenia+45

Epidendrum peperomia, Epidendrum porpax

Epidendrum porpax

It is a dwarf, epiphytic, warm to cold growing, reed stem herb which forms large mats of clustered leafy, 8 cm long stems carrying coriaceous-fleshy, distichous, oblong, obtuse or emarginated leaves. The roots of this species require aeration more than other species, so the addition of sphagnum to the substrate is not recommended. If instead the orchid is placed on a raft, it is important to put a thin layer of sphagnum under the roots to ensure a reserve of moisture.

BrazilColombiaCosta Rica+7

Madagascar Jewell

Euphorbia leuconeura

The Euphorbia leuconeura, commonly known as the Madagascar Jewel, is a striking tropical plant native to Madagascar, where it grows in warm, humid forest environments with filtered sunlight and well-draining soils. It has a distinctive appearance, featuring a single upright, slightly thickened stem topped with a crown of long, narrow leaves that radiate outward in a palm-like form. The leaves are deep green with prominent white veins and often develop reddish or bronze edges, while new growth emerges from the center in a bright lime green before maturing. Small, subtle flowers may appear near the center, and the plant is known for its unusual ability to eject seeds from pods, sometimes sprouting new plants nearby. As part of the Euphorbiaceae, it contains a milky sap that can irritate skin and is toxic if ingested, so it should be handled with care. In terms of care, it thrives in bright, indirect light, though it can tolerate some direct sun, and prefers to be watered only when the top layer of soil has dried out, as overwatering can lead to root rot. A well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix is ideal, and it grows best in temperatures between 65–80°F (18–27°C) with average indoor humidity. With proper conditions, it can reach several feet in height indoors, occasionally shedding older lower leaves as it grows, making it a low-maintenance yet visually unique houseplant.

Madagascar

Jungle geranium

Ixora coccinea

Other names: Flame of the woods, Jungle flame or Pendkuli. Comes from family Rubiaceae. It is the national flower of Suriname. There are numerous named cultivars differing in flower colour (yellow, pink, orange) and plant size. Several popular cultivars are dwarfs, usually staying under 3 ft (0.91 m) in height. Nora Grant is a popular dwarf and Super King is a popular hybrid with much larger flower clusters.

BangladeshIndiaSri Lanka

Bicolor Leptotes

Leptotes bicolor

A Brazilian angraecoid-type orchid native to the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil at 700-1200 m. Produces white flowers with a purple-tipped lip. Thrives in intermediate temperatures, bright filtered light, good airflow, and a drying cycle between waterings with moderate humidity.

Brazil

Amazon frogbite

Limnobium laevigatum

Amazon frogbite is a tropical floating plant from South and Central America.

ArgentinaBelizeBolivia+12

Goyaz Lockhartia

Lockhartia goyazensis

Epiphytic species from central to southeastern Brazil in warm to intermediate seasonal forests. Known for its zig-zag stems and yellow flowers with brown spotting. Prefers medium light, intermediate temperatures, good airflow, and moderate humidity with regular watering.

Brazil

Blanche Ames' Loefgrenianthus

Loefgrenianthus blanche-amesii

Brazilian miniature monopodial orchid restricted to the Atlantic Forest, typically around 800-1300 m. Produces showy white flowers with purple veining. Prefers intermediate temperatures, medium light, good humidity and regular watering with good drainage.

Brazil

Plant profile

Marcgravia umbellata

Climbing plant with leaves of up to 2 cm. Tendency to grow vertically in a straight line.

BelizeBrazilColombia+11

Braybon's Mystacidium

Mystacidium braybonae

South African miniature angraecoid from misty upland forest margins. Produces delicate sprays of tiny white flowers in spring. Prefers intermediate temperatures, medium light, good airflow and moderate humidity with regular light watering.

South Africa

Cape Mystacidium

Mystacidium capense

Widespread South African angraecoid found in cooler montane forest margins at 800-1500 m. Compact plants produce fine sprays of white fragrant flowers. Thrives in medium light, intermediate temperatures and moderate humidity with good air movement.

South Africa

Flanagan's Mystacidium

Mystacidium flanaganii

Miniature angraecoid of the Drakensberg region, occurring around 900-1500 m in cool, moist forest. Produces many small white flowers in spring. Requires intermediate temperatures, medium light, good airflow and moderate humidity.

EswatiniSouth Africa

Hand-Carrying Oncidium, Colombian Buttercup

Oncidium cheirophorum

Oncidium cheirophorum, commonly known as the "Hand-Carrying Oncidium" or "Colombian Buttercup", is a miniature, compact orchid species highly valued for its fragrant, bright yellow flowers and ease of cultivation in smaller spaces. Location: This species is native to Central and South America, with a range spanning from southern Mexico (Chiapas) through Central America (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama) to Colombia. Elevation: It is a cool to cold-growing epiphyte found in lower montane wet tropical forests at high altitudes, typically ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 meters. Environment: In its natural habitat, it often grows on branches of trees where it receives bright light, often in full sun, and high humidity. Plant Size: It is a dwarf species with small, rounded, or pyriform (pear-shaped) pseudobulbs, usually about 1 inch in size. Leaves: The pseudobulbs produce single or twin, narrow, apical leaves that are generally 4 to 8 inches (10–20 cm) in length. Flower Spike: The plant produces slender, often branched inflorescences (spikes) that can be up to 12 inches (30 cm) long. Flowers: The flowers are small, measuring about 1.5 cm in width, but are produced in large, dense clusters, often with 10 or more flowers per stem. Growth Habit: It is a quick-growing, compact plant that often becomes a "specimen plant" within 2 to 3 years. Fragrance: Flowers are known for a strong, pleasant lemon or honey-like scent. Blooming Season: Usually blooms in the fall and winter, with some reports of blooming in the spring as well.

ColombiaCosta RicaEl Salvador+5

Mirror orchid

Ophrys speculum

Each inflorescence carries between 2 and 8 large flowers. The plants often grow in groups. In bright sunshine the flowers are highly visible as the light reflects off the speculum in the centre of the lip – it is a bright iridescent purple/blue in colour and very glossy. The lip is three-lobed and bordered by a greenish-yellow border which is surrounded by a band of thick velvety hairs which are reddish brown. The sepals and petals are green and marked with violet spots or stripes. It is pollinated exclusively by the wasp Dasyscolia ciliata. Males are lured by the flower, which resembles the female wasp. The flower and wasp are both hairy and the blue patch on the lip appears to mimic the reflection of the sky on the wasp's wings. Moreover, the floral scent resembles the mating pheromones of the female wasps, and males become highly excited and try to copulate with the flowers, pollinating them in the process.

CyprusGreeceItaly+2

Yunnan Panisea

Panisea yunnanensis

Compact species originally described from Yunnan in China and now recorded from parts of the eastern Himalaya and Southeast Asia. It grows as an epiphyte or lithophyte in warm to cool monsoonal forest with a distinct wet and drier season and carries small bell shaped fragrant flowers on short spikes.

ChinaIndiaLaos+2