Flora

A living field guide to the plants, trees, and botanical life that surround The Cloud Forest Retreat and shape the Choco Andino ecosystem.

Ecuador's cloud forest is one of the most plant-rich environments on Earth. Around the retreat you will find edible fruits, medicinal trees, epiphytes that hold entire micro-ecosystems, and flowering species that feed birds, insects, and mammals alike.

Plants and epiphytes

Small but powerful species that feed wildlife and people alike.

Guayabilla

Acca sellowiana

Edible Medicinal Wildlife food

Sweet-tart fruits enjoyed fresh or in jams. Fragrant flowers attract birds and insects.

Look for oval green fruits and soft pink-white flowers.

Bromeliads

Bromeliaceae family

Wildlife habitat Pollinators

Rosette-shaped plants that collect rainwater, creating miniature ecosystems for frogs and insects.

Often seen growing on trees or rocks.

Trees of The Cloud Forest Retreat

Foundational species that shape the landscape and climate.

Algarrobo

Prosopis species

Edible pods Drought-hardy

Produces nutrient-rich pods with a naturally sweet flavor, used by people and wildlife.

Key species for soil health and erosion control.

Cholan

Haematoxylum campechianum

Dye-producing Medicinal

Fragrant yellow flower clusters adorn twisted branches and provide a vital nectar source for bees.

Famous for its deep purple heartwood dye but not for consumption. Handle with care.