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Galapagos Islands Flora
Galapagos Islands flora has been greatly influenced by plant colonization due to birds. Wind and ocean currents also help to explain how plant life would get to them, feeding land animals like tortoises, lizards, iguanas, and finches and enabling the development of the subsequent food chain, which is necessary for the survival of animals that eventually devour the earlier colonists. The numerous plants that have settled throughout the archipelago are undoubtedly the foundation of a prosperous existence on the Galapagos Islands.
Three distinct mangrove species—white, red, and black—typically line the coasts and have shown to be highly successful pioneers. Mangrove beds, for instance, are found along areas of Fernandina that would otherwise appear to be barren of life. This is where seabirds seek refuge, and so the chain starts. Perhaps more admirable is the ability of plants like the hardy lava cactus to thrive in lava-clad places, emerging from massive, impenetrable rocks. Even more commendable is discovering a lone white bloom that has managed to peek through the gaps and reach the light. Pioneer vegetation is as fascinating a narrative as any about the Galapagos Islands. To fully appreciate the vegetation, take a Galapagos cruise.
Sesuvium, a carpet-like bush that grows during the harsh, rainless months on the islands, has evolved to drought-like circumstances and, when things deteriorate, turns the ground into magnificent shades of orange, crimson, and purple. Life on Galapagos is also largely dependent on cacti, such as the enormous candelabra, which also sporadically emerges from the rocks, and the ubiquitous Opuntia, which is vital to land iguanas, giant tortoises, and cactus finches. However, it becomes much more exciting as we travel inland. The upper- and middle-aged islands of the Galapagos become lush and tropical despite their dry appearance. Even orchids may be found in the highlands, frequently covered in mist, creating an excellent contrast that once more provides its share of charisma.
As a result, botanists have separated the archipelago into three vegetation zones: humid, transitional, and miconia. The latter two are further split into zones called scalesia and miconia based on the dominant plant species in each. The floral diversity of the island produces an intriguing and unexpected variation between islands and even within individual islands.
“When I drew back to focus my Graflex camera, the mirror was suddenly obscured, and looking up I saw the bird clinging to the lens, pecking at the brass fittings”
William Beebe, Galapagos, World’s End
Keep reading “Galapagos’ Islands Evolution“
