Galapagos Islands Vegetation

Galapagos islands vegetation, just like the marine environment of Galapagos, receive very little coverage.

Galapagos Plants, however, are amongst the most incredible examples of island evolutionary biology.

Not only there are many species that are endemic to the islands, all well adapted to a tropical but dry environment.

These plants are the living grounds for many (and more commonly seen examples of the Galapagos) sea-dependant species like boobies and frigatebirds.

Galapagos Plant Scalesia Gordilloi

galapagos plants

Of course, Galapagos islands vegetation is key for the survival of all land-related species like Galapagos Finches Mockingbirds, Land Iguanas insects, Giant Tortoises etc.

Everything in Galapagos is related to each other's ecological niches, and that is a magical component of a Galapagos Expedition.

Naturalists in Galapagos, from a very peculiar interpretative scenario, will adapt for visitors the most diverse and complex concepts, into understandable ideas that will make everyone realize the importance of the whole, and not only specific issues.

Approximately, "560 species" of Galapagos plants live in the islands, from which about a third are endemic (unique) to the islands.

Where else could you find giant prickly pear cactus? Where else could you find an endemic cherry-like tomato? Where else could you find a member of the daisy family that locally evolved into 17 different species (genus Scalesia)?

This is the botanical magic of the islands, which is certainly crucial for the survival of all living things here. Introduced species by man, are a perpetual threat for Galapagos islands vegetation.

Thanks to the eradication efforts of the National Park, and the SICGAL control (quarantine program), the chances of introducing new species continue to decrease, but of course, the need for protection must remain constant.

The islands altitude (another feature many times misunderstood) are not atolls like in the Caribbean.

These islands are volcanic in origin where the highest point is near 1,800 meters (5,800 feet) above sea level, found at Volcan Wolf on Isabela Island.

Several of the islands have similar heights, thus developing different Galapagos islands vegetation zones, and making the islands' ecosystem more diverse.

The experience of visiting the highlands has no comparison to what the lowlands offer, but of course, if most documentaries and magazines only deal with the lowlands' highlights, everyone assumes that the islands must not be that high above sea level.

One of the most rewarding surprises for visitors are the highlands of the Galapagos, where other wildlife features are to be seen, like finches (mostly tree finches, including the famous woodpecker finch), vermillion flycatchers, and the famous giant tortoises in the wild.

Technically, the highlands are a tropical cloud forest where relative humidity is greater that rainfall, and it is here where visitors can see the ever-green landscape of Galapagos.

Galapagos islands vegetation zones are divided in a very interesting way:

galapagos islands vegetation map

More About Galapagos:

Galapagos Recommended Reading:

Flowering Plants of the Galapagos
Is the first accessible, in-depth guide to the plant life of the area. An invaluable resource for tourists, natural history enthusiasts, and professionals. (Very good book!)

Galapagos: Islands Born of Fire
This book is elegantly structured: each chapter emphasizes one distinct aspect of the Galapagos with amazing pictures of Galapagos islands vegetation, Wildlife, and its Geology. It is truly a wonderful and inspiring photo book. (Highly recommended!)

Recommended Galapagos Books and Souvenirs

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If you want to visit the Galapagos islands, take a minute to look at these recommended Galapagos Island Cruises And if you have any questions about the islands, you can contact me here

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