Scutellaria costaricana

Scutellaria costaricana[edit | edit source]

Scutellaria costaricana is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to Costa Rica, hence the name, and is also found in other parts of Central America.

Description[edit | edit source]

Scutellaria costaricana is a perennial herb that grows up to 1 meter tall. The leaves are ovate to lanceolate, and the flowers are blue to purple. The plant is known for its distinctive calyx, which has a shield-like appearance, hence the genus name 'Scutellaria', derived from the Latin word 'scutella', meaning 'a small shield'.

Habitat and Distribution[edit | edit source]

This species is found in the highlands of Costa Rica, particularly in the Cordillera de Talamanca. It grows in moist, well-drained soils in forested areas, often on slopes. It is also found in parts of Panama and Nicaragua.

Uses[edit | edit source]

While not widely used in traditional medicine, some local communities in Costa Rica use Scutellaria costaricana for its purported medicinal properties. It is also occasionally grown as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers.

Conservation Status[edit | edit source]

The conservation status of Scutellaria costaricana is not well-documented, but like many plants in the region, it may be threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation.