PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.ApprovedCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Buddleja nitida
Shiny Butterfly Bush
Benth., 1846
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A resilient evergreen dioecious shrub or small tree. It is distinguished by its lanceolate, dark green leaves that are strikingly shiny on the upper surface and covered with a dense, silvery-white or yellowish felt-like hairs on the underside. It bears small, yellowish-orange flowers.
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Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
QuishuarSalvia de páramoFlor de mayoButterfly bush
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Magnoliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Lamiales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Scrophulariaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Buddleja
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Benth., 1846
Record Completeness
93%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Thrives in high-altitude montane forests, subalpine paramo ecosystems, and disturbed subparamo thickets. It is highly adapted to cold temperatures, strong winds, and poor, rocky or volcanic soils typical of mountain ridges.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Acts as an essential soil stabilizer on eroded mountain slopes and rocky volcanic screes due to its extensive root network. It is a slow-growing plant that withstands frequent frosts and sub-zero nightly temperatures.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
150.0 - 1000.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
The dense, felt-like indumentum (hairs) on the underside of the leaves acts as an insulation layer against extreme freezing temperatures and reduces water loss from high winds.
The shiny upper surface of the leaves reflects excessive ultraviolet radiation found at high mountain altitudes, preventing cellular damage to the plant.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Encroachment of agricultural activities and intensive cattle grazing in high-altitude paramo borders, which destroys young seedlings and fragments local populations.
Increased frequency of human-induced mountain wildfires during dry spells, which clear slow-growing high-altitude vegetation.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Unlike many species in its genus, it is functionally dioecious, meaning individual trees are strictly either male or female, requiring pollen transfers across distances to set seed.