The National Flower of Costa Rica - Guaria Morada

This beautiful orchid is the national flower of Costa Rica.

Costa Rica once was a kingdom of orchid built by nature. However, they were coveted by people because of their beauty. Now it's rarely to find any trace of them in the mountains.

It turned out that a group of horticulture experts from "Taiwan, working with the Costa Rica government and local flower growers, have transplanted the first group of successfully re propagated orchids to National Parks.

If I ever go back to St Jose, I should try to visit the Simon Bolivar National Zoo and Botanical Garden, which is located in its suburbs. It is the most popular outdoor classroom for local school children.  There are 145 varieties of flowers native to Costa Rica.  GCT did not arrange a visit to this Park for the group.  Too bad.