Dacnis cayana

On a more joyous note... Providing that it's not pouring down with rain, the LCO garden is filled with the sounds and colors of so many birds right now, with the highlight being at around 7am. The Blue Dacnis (Dacnis cayana) also known as the blue honeycreeper, and locally known as "Mielero azulejo" is one such jewel that is visiting currently. The bird in the image was documented drinking from the liquid-filled inflorescences of Heliconia latispatha. A clear example of the benifits that planting native species has for local wildlife!

Heliconia irrasa

Just so it's clear that we do have a hand in with plants (and not just with reptiles and amphibians!) here is a recent shot of Heliconia irrasa (Heliconiaceae), a small growing (to ca. 70cm tall) member of this much-loved and highly ornamental genus. This species is flowering currently in the LCO native plants garden and throughout its natural range on the Osa Peninsula.

Cyclanthus bipartitus

This series of images follows the progress of the opening of the inflorescence of Cyclanthus bipartitus (CYCLANTHACEAE). A clear demonstration of the advantages that a field botanist has when they live side-by-side with their study subjects. Image times, (from left to right): 6pm (7th May 2008), 9:30pm (7th May 2008), 7am (8th May 2008), 10am (8th May 2008). You'll be hard pushed to find images of this plant, nevermind fresh and in flower. These gorgeous ones were taken by Reinaldo. Of course! Cyclanthus bipartitus is one of my favorites in our native plants garden. Infact, the genera Asplundia, Carludovica, and Cyclanthus are all represented in the garden at this time and make very attractive regional ornamental species.