Cut flowers are Ecuador`s fourth largest export trailing only petroleum, bananas, and shrimp. More than 5,800 hectares are now covered by greenhouses and flower farms; 3000 of which are roses. This is because Ecuador`s climate is ideal for flower growing. Twelve dependable hours of daily sunlight year round, rich volcanic soil, and a particular combination of altitude and humidity produces the highest quality roses in the world. Around 80 varieties are currently grown for export. A third of Ecuador`s flower farms grow plants exclusively for the Russian market, shipping $57.8 million worth of flowers in 2007.