Costa Rica’s Heraldry

Two branches of myrtle close the coat of arms of Costa Rica representing the peace of the Republic. A white ribbon joins the branches, the title “Republica de Costa Rica” (Republic of Costa Rica) is imprinted in golden letters.

The Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.), from the family Myrtaceae (myrtle family) has leathery leaves and an aromatic and refreshing smell somewhat reminiscent to myrrh or eucalypt; although the taste is strongly bitter. The strong presence of aromatic oils is a common throughout plants of the Myrtaceae.

It is a very large family, poorly represented in the Northern Hemisphere, but very well known in the Southern, particularly Australia. Many members of the family are prominent in floral arrangements.

The sub-family Leptospermoideae contains the genera Leptospermum. A white or purple flowered plant seems to be referred to by florists as ‘wax’ and used as an up-market ‘filler’ in place of Baby’s Breath. In Australia it is known as the tea-tree and occurs abundantly on the edge of dry rainforest vegetation. Its probably called tea-tree because it makes a passable tea if you have run out of the real stuff. Another member the Melaleuca is also known as the tea-tree.

Acmena (the “Lilly-pilly”) is a very proiminent shrub in northern coastal rainforests recognizable by its berries. Berries play a big role in floral arrangements though I one’s I see (in San Francisco) are not familiar to me.

Finally the most well known group in Myrtacea is the eucalyptus. A distinctive Australian genus and characteristic of the family rich in volitile oils, eucalyptus is also a major filler in floral arrangements.