Richness, diversity, and conservation status of endemic plant species (Spermatophyta) in Costa Rica

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22458/urj.v18i1.6242

Keywords:

taxonomy, biogeography, threat categories, herbarium, phylogenetics

Abstract

Endemism is key for biological conservation, as these species have restricted distributions and small populations, making them highly vulnerable to extinction. This study presents the first complete and updated catalog of seed plant species endemic to Costa Rica, based on the database of the National Herbarium (CR) and other global taxonomic sources. A total of 1,604 endemic species is recorded, representing 17% of the country's native flora. Endemism is distributed across 108 families, with Orchidaceae (533 spp.), Piperaceae (219 spp.), Araceae (72 spp.), Rubiaceae (54 spp.), and Asteraceae (53 spp.) being the most representative. Monocotyledons account for 44.9% of the total endemic species, dicotyledons for 54.9%, and gymnosperms for 0.2%. Herbs predominate (49%), followed by shrubs and trees; most are terrestrial (57%) or epiphytic (41%). Only 22.8% of the endemic species have been assessed under IUCN criteria, with threat categories mainly Endangered (EN) and Critically Endangered (CR). This work emphasizes the urgency of strengthening research on endemic species of Costa Rica to protect this unique heritage.

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Published

2026-04-06

How to Cite

Lobo-Cabezas, S. (2026). Richness, diversity, and conservation status of endemic plant species (Spermatophyta) in Costa Rica. UNED Research Journal, 18(1), e6242. https://doi.org/10.22458/urj.v18i1.6242

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Vol. 18 (2026)

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Special Article

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