The island's flora lives in specific zones.  Understanding these zones helps with identification and appreciation of the flora. From the Mangrove Swamps that cover the wet coastal zone and the Prickly Pear Cactus of the Arid Lowlands to the Scalesia Trees and Miconia of the higher Humid Zones the Galapagos hosts an interesting array of flora.

Life Zones

Climate on the islands varies from dry low areas along the coast to the high moist areas near the volcano tops. In total there are 7 zones within the archipelago:

Coastal Zone
Arid Lowlands Zone
Transitional Zone
Scalesia Zone
Brown Zone
Miconia Zone
Pampa Zone