Have you ever heard the phrase "Familiarity breeds contempt?" Essentially when you have a lot of something you get bored with it. I see this a lot here in Panama - one of the most naturally diverse countries in the world, should be absolutely covered with trees but the reality is a bit hard to take.
In this image below, you can see what I mean. All of that light green area should be covered with trees but....cows, and rice and whatever other reasons, people have cut them all down and they will never get them back. Not. Ever.
Nature is like that though - perfectly beautiful and totally innocent but speaks a different language that many of us choose not to learn or hear. Surrounded by thousands of species of trees in Panama, a lot of people lose respect for these sentient beings and don't understand the value of what they are about to cut down, remove, burn, or poison and what they lose as a result of their actions.
The functionality of trees is endless but once you take the time to slow down and observe how these trees actually get used in nature is when you really realize that every branch, leaf, flower, and root is essential to every life.
Here is a quick little story: This tree called the Cercropia/Trumpet Tree/Guarumo, is an awesome tree. It grows fast, has huge leaves, and tasty flowers that the animals of the jungle absolutely love to feast on. We planted a bunch of them all over our property to help the monkeys "branch" some of the gaps in their canopy. But what's even cooler is that this tree is used in medicine to treat cough, asthma, bronchitis, high blood pressure, heart disease, and the list goes on. As I was saying...mother nature is the diggity.
So, whether you're a monkey swinging from its branches or an adventurer being entertained by them while sipping on that organic brew, this tree is undeniably rad. Come hang out with us in Morrillo, and you can plant more of them with us.
Your Friends in Morrillo,
Cari and Ryan Mackey
Owners and Hosts
Morrillo Beach Eco Resort