RE: Herbal Adventure
to Costa Rica with Susun Weed
Dear Plant Lovers,
We are getting very excited about our Herbal Adventure to Costa Rica
with Susun Weed which takes place March 4-12, 2005.
I have been doing some research on the different plant experiences
we will enjoy and thought I might share them with you. The area we
will be traveling to is the lush Caribbean Coast, teaming with colorful
flora and fauna. We will immerse ourselves in a wide variety of ecosystems
that grace this part of the earth. Susun will be sharing her vast
knowledge of the natural world. There are many protected biological
and wildlife reserves in the area. We will be visiting one of the
most ecologically diverse places on the planet!
Botanical
Gardens combine natural settings with landscaped grounds showcasing
heliconias, palms, orchids, gingers and a variety of exotic plants.
The seeds from the cacao are used for cocoa, chocolate and cocoa butter
and are native to Costa Rica. Cocoa is a relatively short tree, about
26 feet in height. The fruits, or pods referred to as called mazorcas,
grow directly from trunk or branches, hanging like ornaments. As pods
ripen, they change from green to yellow or red. As many as 60 seeds
can be in one oval-shaped fruit. When opened they are covered in a
slippery, soft tasty pulp.
In the rainforest, giant vines twist every which way as bromeliads
and ferns cling to every branch. Very little sunlight above manages
to poke through the canopy and remains nicely shaded. Strangler figs
wander through branches of the canopy emerging towers more than one
hundred feet tall. The figs colossal roots, twice as thick as a fire
hose radiate out and across the forest floor. Regal orchids open their
blossoms 6 feet above, reaching for the crisp light. Samasati Retreat
Center which is where will stay, is a piece of paradise which lies
right in the heart of it all.
To give you an idea of the diversity of Costa Rica lets take a look
at what will surround us. There are 2009 species of mammals, 850 species
of birds, 220 species of reptiles, 162 species of amphibians, 130
species of fish, 366,000 species of arthropods (insects, spiders and
crabs) 13,021 species of plants 1,500 species of trees and 1,400 species
of orchids. Many people are blown away by the density and richness
of life inhabiting this chaotic and immense forest. One longs to better
understand its many secrets.
The
uniqueness of a tropical rainforest lies in the fact that many of
the great and exciting critters living there manage to blend in perfectly
with the layered backdrop of vegetation. The tops of the tallest trees,
which fan out over the forest like giant beach umbrellas, form the
emergent layer. Beneath this layer an abundant amount organisms capitalize
on the formation of gaps. Majestic trees like mahogany, ceiba, Santa
Maria, tropical cedar and ironwood are some of the slow growers. Others
develop remarkably fast. Likiconia, palmetto palms, philodendrons,
acacia and passion flowers are all swift to mature.
As new colonies of plants establish themselves, other life forms
quickly follow. Butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds arrive in search
of nectar. Exciting to me are electric blue butterflies, called blue
Morphos, have wingspans wider than a man's hands. Bats, birds and
small mammals, hungry for fruits and seed, find their way there as
well. Of course there are many predators, like the raptors, polecats,
frogs, spiders, praying mantis, lizards and snakes, who find the forest
an excellent hunting ground.
I could go on and on. This land is truly a wonder to behold. I feel
blessed to be able to visit . If you care to join you may e-mail me
at sherrimelissa@yahoo.com
or call me at (541) 683-5403.
Click here for
more about the
Herbal Adventure to Costa Rica with Susun Weed
