60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (2024)

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (1)

November 12, 2022 by Mariana Gómez Spanish Vocabulary 0 comments

Are you a lover of Spanish flowers? You’ve come to the right place!

In this blog post, you’ll learn about national, medicinal, edible, and other popular Spanish flowers you’ll find when you visit Central and South America—as well as their descriptions.

Let’s start!

Join 559 million people on the planet who speak Spanish!
Sign up for your free trial Spanish class today. ➡️

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (2)

Spanish Flowers in Latin America

The following list includes Spanish flowers in Latin America. To help you locate what you might be looking for, I’ve divided them into categories and in alphabetical order within each category.

National Spanish Flowers

We’re starting our list with the national flowers of each Latin American country.

Central America

1. Orquídea negra – Belice

The black orchid is a species of epiphytic orchid. It’s small in size and prefers a temperate climate. Its stem is upright and wrapped in 2 or 3 pods with a single leaf.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (4)

2. Guaria morada – Costa Rica

These types of orchids are found during the months of January to March. It usually produces four to five flowers, each lasting a limited time.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (5)

3. Flor de Izote – El Salvador

This flower belongs to a plant whose scientific name is Yucca elephantipes, or as it is popularly known, yucca elephant foot or indoor yucca.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (6)

4. La Monja Blanca – Guatemala

Its common name is due to the fact that in the center of the flower, a small stem resembles a nun who is praying, and since its color is white, it was baptized as “White Nun.”

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (7)

5. Rhyncholaelia digbyana – Honduras

This species of orchid is from Honduras. It has a greenish-white color, exotic beauty, and its fragrance is similar to citrus.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (8)

6. Sacuanjoche – Nicaragua

This flower symbolizes immortality for various cultures who use it in marital unions, where it represents strength and spiritual love.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (9)

7. Peristeria Elata – Panamá

This flower is considered “the flower of the Holy Spirit.” It belongs to the orchid family, has fleshy leaves, and is a terrestrial or epiphytic plant.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (10)

South America

8. El Ceibo – Argentina

This flower is pentameric with a calyx and a yellowish corolla. It produces a dried fruit of approximately 20 cm in length, which is an inedible monocarpic legume.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (11)

9. La Kantuta – Bolivia

This plant blooms in the shape of a bell and terminal clusters throughout the year, producing beautiful petals of intense pink and red tones, although sometimes they also appear white and yellow. It grows in open spaces with a temperate climate.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (12)

10. El Patujú – Bolivia

Patujú is a rhizomatous root with approximately 3 meters high that produces elongated greenish leaves and numerous red bracts. It grows throughout the year in the lower Amazon area of Bolivia.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (13)

11. Ipé – Brazil’s national tree

The tree commonly known as “Ipê da Varagem” is the national plant of Brazil. They are of medium height and abound on the mountainous slopes of Rio de Janeiro.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (14)

12. El Copihue – Chile

It is an endemic species, you can only see it between February and July in the Chilean sclerophyllous (temperate) forests. It is an icon of the southern indigenous culture, its beautiful foliage adorns the dense vegetation of its jungle.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (15)

13. La Orquídea – Colombia

In Colombia, orchids are the family with the largest number of species. There are more than 4,000 species and more than half are exclusive to the country.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (16)

14. Chuquiraga jussieui – Ecuador

This is a botanical species of evergreen flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It is also called “Flower of the walker,” “Flower of the Andes,” chuquiraga, or chuquirahua.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (17)

15. La rosa – Ecuador

Ecuadorian roses are known for their large flowers, which have about 60 varieties of different shades of red, pink, yellow, purple and lavender. These roses have deep green stems that are long and straight.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (18)

16. La Victoria Amazónica – Guyana

This flower has large circular leaves up to 1 meter in diameter that float on the surface of the water on submerged stems that reach 7 to 8 m in length. They can support up to 40 kg if the weight is well distributed on its surface.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (19)

16. Mburucuyá – Paraguay

This climbing plant can be up to 20 meters long and grows mainly in tropical climates. The vine has a rigid stem and smooth evergreen leaves, whose flower has five petals, five sepals, five stamens, and three pistils.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (20)

17. La Cantuta – Perú

The Cantuta flower grows in terminal branches throughout the year. In temperate climates it shows a deep pink or red, usually with a tubular crown and a short calyx. It is the “sacred flower of the Incas.”

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (21)

18. Popokai Tongo – Surinam

Its flowers are shaped like a parrot beak, formed by sharp alternate bracts and long leaves similar to tubular spikes. They grow throughout the year in tropical climates not exceeding 24° celsius.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (22)

19. El Ceibo Blanco Silvestre – Uruguay

This Ceibo is very rare and over the years it has become an exclusive plant for gardens and special greenhouses located in eastern Uruguay.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (23)

20. La Orquídea – Venezuela

In Venezuela, this orchid is known as Flor de Mayo, because in the nineteenth century the people used it in traditional celebrations to decorate the Cruz de Mayo.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (24)

Medicinal Spanish Flowers in Chile

In the following list are several medicinal Spanish flowers that are native to Chile.

21. Algarrobo blanco

Consuming an infusion of its fruits can dissolve bladder stones and an infusion of the flower will have diuretic actions (which help remove excess water and detoxify the body). Also, its bark contains antidiarrheal properties.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (25)

22. Algarrobo chileno

Due to its composition of proteins, minerals, natural sugar, fibers, and vitamin B complexes, it is used for the production of energizers.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (26)

23. Calafate

The Calafate has anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheals, astringents, and digestive properties, as well as vitamin C and antioxidants.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (27)

24. Canelo

It is used for coughs and colds, intestinal worms, stomach disorders, dysentery (infectious disorder with bloody diarrhea), and rheumatic pains.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (28)

25. Chañar

Its bark, leaves and flowers have expectorant properties. Also, the boiled bark of the Chañar has been used as an expectorant and antiasthmatic.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (29)

26. Chauchau

It has stimulating and astringent properties.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (30)

27. Chilco

The flowers and leaves are used as repairing medicinal infusions for blood, menstrual and kidney ailments.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (31)

28. Maqui

It is a powerful antioxidant, contains vitamin C, and works as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (32)

29. Murta

In addition to its antioxidant power, the leaves of the murta have an interesting pharmacological potential as anti-inflammatory, analgesic and healing.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (33)

30. Nalca

This plant is used in bleeding, abundant and painful periods, dysentery, diarrhea, to wash wounds, and in vaginal washings.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (34)

31. Pingo Pingo

They use it to treat colds and relieve stomach aches. In the medicinal field, it is used to treat blood impurities.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (35)

32. Rica Rica

The Rica Rica, as a medicinal plant, is used for stomach pain, kidney problems, and circulatory disorders.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (36)

Medicinal Spanish Flowers in Other Parts of Latin America

33. Basil

Basil contains digestive properties as it prevents gastric spasms. It is a digestive stimulant, since the essence of the plant whets the appetite. It also helps to improve blood circulation and serves for intestinal discomfort. Finally, it stimulates milk production in nursing mothers.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (37)

34. Garlic

It helps blood circulation and favors the elimination of body fluids, which makes it very suitable for rheumatism, dropsy, edema, and gout. Due to its content of compounds rich in sulfur, it’s one of the best natural remedies for fighting infectious processes of the respiratory system (flu, bronchitis, and pharyngitis, for example).

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (38)

35. La lechosa

Unclogs arteries, deworms, and deflates.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (39)

36. Llantén

It is used to heal wounds, ulcers, hemorrhoids and to soothe pain in the ears. It also cures colds and helps stop diarrhea, and has both astringent and disinfectant properties.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (40)

37. Mapurite (or Anamú)

It is recognized for its anticancer properties, its properties to treat diabetes and its medicinal benefits when treating diarrhea and stomach ache.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (41)

38. Mático

The Mático is known by the name Hierba del Soldado (soldier’s herb) for its great hemostatic properties. It is used to heal wounds by washing them with a concentrated solution of this plant and then covering them with the same crushed leaves.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (42)

39. Epazote

It has antiparasitic (which paralyze intestinal worms), digestive (it can even serve as an aperitif or accompaniment to meals), and anti-inflammatory (useful against certain insect bites or skin irritations) properties.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (43)

40. Rosemary

It’s one of the plants with the most antioxidants and can be useful for the treatment of diseases like AIDS, Cancer and Alzheimer’s. It contains stimulating and tonic effects.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (44)

Edible Spanish Flowers

Have you ever tried edible Spanish flowers? The ones I’ve tried are delicious! See the following and judge for yourself.

41. Carnation

Their culinary use is popular in haute and nouvelle cuisine where their peppery taste jazzes up salads or is used as a garnish. Carnations are also candied and used to decorate cakes.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (45)

42. Cilantro

It competes with basil as my favorite fresh herb. All parts of the plant are edible and both the delicate white flowers and their predecessor seed heads add a special quality to any dish that calls for coriander.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (46)

43. Dahlia

Both decorative petals and tubers are edible, and they have been considered a viable food crop throughout history.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (47)

44. Dandelion

All parts of the dandelion are edible and have medicinal and culinary uses. It has long been used as a liver tonic and diuretic.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (48)

45. Fennel

Fennel is common in Quechua medicinal lore, which traditionally mixes herbs into a hot tea or blends into an elixir. In Peru, locals use the ferny leaves as a breath freshener. The flower can be added to any dish that requires a licorice accent.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (49)

46. Flor de Izote

People consume the young flowers and stems. In some countries the petals and ovary of

the flowers (without the stamens). They are fried with tomato, onion, and egg or simply with salt and lemon.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (50)

47. Flor de Jobo

The fruits and seeds of this plant are what people consume. The flavor of the fruits is soury, so they are usually eaten toasted.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (51)

48. Fuchsia

Tangy and crisp, they can be used for dips, in salads, or a single bloom can turn a simple plate into the epitome of elegance. They are hardy and grow easily in this altitude and climate.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (52)

49. Gladiolus

The blooms are mild tasting, somewhat reminiscent of lettuce, but with a fabulous texture. When the antlers are removed they taste delicious when stuffed with cream cheese, herbs, and onions.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (53)

50. Hibiscus

They are more palatable cooked or boiled, as they taste slightly acidic when eaten raw.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (54)

51. Jasmine

Like the Hibiscus, the Jasmine blossom is better known for use in teas but also makes a pretty garnish and smells delicious when it’s budding.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (55)

Other Popular Spanish Flowers

The following Spanish flowers commonly grow in tropical countries, which is why you’ll find them in both Central and South America. See how beautiful they are!

52. Bandera Española

Also known as Lantana Camara, this species has a continuous flowering, from spring to autumn. Also, it attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, and all parts of the plant can cause allergies, irritations, and serious discomfort if ingested, even to animals.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (56)

53. Begonias

Begonias are usually ornamental garden plants. They have fleshy stems, large serrated leaves, green above and reddish below, with small, white, red or pink flowers.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (57)

54. Cactus

There are plenty of species of cactus, and more than 10 grow in Latin American countries. They don’t require constant watering, as their roots absorb and optimize the water they receive, even if it is very little.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (58)

55. Campanillas

The Campanillas are also known by other names such as morning glory, Don Diego in the day, purple bell, Maria’s mantle, or plate-breaker. They can be grown almost anywhere in the world, since they resist temperatures down to -15 ° C. Because they’re easy to grow, people around the world grow them in their own home or garden.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (59)

56. Cucuyús

Also known as Canna Indica, the Cucuyús are perennial plants from 1.5 to 3 meters tall belonging to the cannacees family.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (60)

57. Espinillo (or Aromo)

It’s a small tree, highly valued for both its scented yellow flowers, as well as for the uses it has in the perfume industry and in beekeeping, as well as in the fuel industry.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (61)

58. Jacaranda

The genus Jacaranda consists of about 50 species, composed of deciduous trees. All species have bipinnate and filicineous leaves.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (62)

59. Pendientes de la Reina

Also known as Fuchsia magellanica, it is an enduring bush, with almost 3 meters high. It is grown as an ornamental plant, due to its attractive hanging flowers. It requires protected spaces, both solar and climatic.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (63)

60. Trepadoras

The most popular and cultivated trepadoras are the incomparable Bougainvillea. Trepadoras are plants that perch on a living or dead element (wall, trellis, etc.), mechanically parasitizing it, without feeding on it.

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (64)

Use Your Spanish to Talk About Flowers!

Phew! Great work learning about Spanish flowers! Which one was your favorite? Let others know what you learned today by leaving a comment and practicing your Spanish!

Ready to learn more Spanish vocabulary? Check these out!

  • Learn These 20 Types of Fish in Spanish [+ More Vocab]
  • Top 10 Science Fiction Spanish Books for Adults (with PDFs)
  • 200+ Beginner Spanish Vocabulary Words PDF: Learn Spanish Fast!
  • The Most Extensive Guide Ever to House Vocabulary in Spanish
  • Top 10 Places to Visit in Guatemala City, Guatemala
  • ‘How Much Is It?’ in Spanish: A Guide to Travel and Shopping
  • Familial Bonds: Expressing ‘Sister-in-Law’ in Spanish and Family Vocabulary
  • 100 Easy Spanish Words for True Beginners
  • Author
  • Recent Posts

Mariana Gómez

Freelance writer at Homeschool Spanish Academy

Native Spanish speaker and Industrial Psychology student in Guatemala, I love studying the nuances of Latin culture, its family values, and the Spanish language. Writing is my passion; it's my avenue for connecting ideas and sharing important information with readers. My goal is to make of this world a better place with far more multilingual people!

Latest posts by Mariana Gómez (see all)

  • Top 10 Places to Visit in Guatemala City, Guatemala - June 6, 2024
  • ‘How Much Is It?’ in Spanish: A Guide to Travel and Shopping - May 9, 2024
  • 10 Female Hispanic Singers Who Conquered the World - December 4, 2022

curated list spanish vocabulary vocabulary

60 Common Spanish Flowers from the Tropics (in Spanish) (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Roderick King

Last Updated:

Views: 6047

Rating: 4 / 5 (51 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Roderick King

Birthday: 1997-10-09

Address: 3782 Madge Knoll, East Dudley, MA 63913

Phone: +2521695290067

Job: Customer Sales Coordinator

Hobby: Gunsmithing, Embroidery, Parkour, Kitesurfing, Rock climbing, Sand art, Beekeeping

Introduction: My name is Roderick King, I am a cute, splendid, excited, perfect, gentle, funny, vivacious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.