Belize has one of the world's richest habitats for flora. No fewer than 4,000 different species of native flowering plants are found within its borders, along with about 700 species of trees and several hundred species of other plants. The country is estimated to have approximately 4,000 species of native flowering plants (Angiosperms) of which 2,500 are dicots and 1,500 are monocots. Finally, it also includes approximately 250 species of orchids. Approximately 700 species of native trees are reported for Belize, representing 331 genera in 87 plant families.

   

Belizean forests support over 700 tree species including a large variety of economically and historically important trees. A lot of valuable trees have played a very important role in the history of the country. Indeed, the history and the very existence of Belize as a colony are inseparable from the logging industry. Among the most important historical tree crops are logwood, mahogany and chicle. The national tree of Belize is the Mahogany Tree (Swietenia Macrophilla), which can be seen at Jaguar Paw.

   

Jaguar Paw Resort has a variety of plants to view including Belize's national flower the Black Orchid (Encyclia Cocheeata) being the scientific name. The trees and plants of nature seem overwhelming as one leisurely walks along the trails of Jaguar Paw with a guide describing one plant after another.