Plant species known only from the Osa and nearby mainland are endemic and a goal of our research is to provide the information that insures that the places they grow on the Peninsula continue to be protected.

Endemics are often an artifact of incomplete botanical exploration so it is possible that some of the species on our list will cease to be endemic to the Osa when they are found in other areas. Nevertheless, their continued protection on the Osa will protect the survival of populations of the species no matter where else they are found to occur. On the other hand, future exploration will more than likely add new endemics to the list.

In the list below, click on the name of a family to get a list of the species and collections made on the Osa that represent a particular endemic species.