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Exotic and rare plants in Boquete, Chiriquí, represent a valuable ecological and ethnobotanical resource. This study established a classification based on medicinal and ornamental species of scientific interest and those difficult to adapt to. Many of these species have been integrated into traditional practices and conservation studies. Among the exotic species, various orchids stood out, such as Gongora spp. and Neofinetia falcata, which were distinguished by their attractive beauty and the role of their specialized pollination. These plants were notable for their limited availability due to their demand and their ability to propagate in controlled environments. In the ethnobotanical field, some species such as Hippeastrum striatum are highly sought after for their therapeutic properties in traditional medicine in the city of Boquete. The role played by the temperate climate and fertile soils of Boquete must be highlighted, which has allowed the introduction of species with adaptation difficulties, such as Cryptomeria japonica, whose growth depends on specific humidity and temperature conditions. Furthermore, the conservation and sustainability of rare plants is crucial to preserving biodiversity and the ancestral knowledge behind their medicinal use. This study not only contributes to botanical science, but also strengthens the interaction between the community, the natural environment, climatological data, and the economics of those dedicated to disseminating their impact in this Chiriquí region.
