Incredible! This orchid (Laelia superbiens) is called “La Vara de San José” in Guatemala, where it grows in deciduous forests, often on oaks. This magnificent specimen lives in Casa Popenoe, a colonial museum in Antigua. #orchids #guatemala #boyswithplants #laelia #botany

Many people are surprised to find that many trees usually associated with high northern latitudes are found naturally in Guatemala. We have willow, oak, pine, cypress, juniper, walnut, yew, ash, and fir (like these Abies guatemalensis). #trees #guatemala #nature #forests #botany

A Cascading Masterpiece: Thunbergia mysorensis 🌿✨ Few flowering vines are as mesmerizing as Thunbergia mysorensis. With its long, trailing clusters of deep red and golden-yellow flowers, this tropical climber looks like a living waterfall of color. Native to India, it thrives

A Tiny Orchid with a Fierce Name: Pleurothallis crocodiliceps 🐊🌿 Despite its fearsome name, Pleurothallis crocodiliceps is a delicate and fascinating orchid. This miniature epiphyte, found in the tropical forests of Central and South America, produces flowers that resemble

A Burst of Color: Lampranthus spectabilis 🌸☀️ When Lampranthus spectabilis is in bloom, it’s impossible to ignore! This striking succulent, also known as the trailing ice plant, dazzles with its bright, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, and orange. Native to South

Encyclia chloroleuca is a stunning epiphytic orchid found from Mexico all the way to Peru and Brazil. Known for its delicate, greenish-yellow flowers with a hint of pink, this orchid thrives in the warm, humid, evergreen forests of lowland regions. Its graceful flowers bloom in

The Brazilian Pepper Tree: Schinus terebinthifolia 🌿🌸 Native to South America, Schinus terebinthifolia, commonly known as the Brazilian Pepper Tree, is a hardy, fast-growing tree known for its vibrant red berries and glossy green leaves. While its beauty is undeniable, this

Native to the dry forests of Central America, from Mexico to Costa Rica, Sarcoglottis sceptrodes is a remarkable terrestrial orchid. Like many terrestrial orchids in Guatemala, this species is dry-season deciduous—dropping its leaves during the dry season. Even more fascinating,

Brickellia argyrolepis is a shrub with distinctive fuzzy stems that may eventually become hairless. The larger leaves on the main stem are trinerved from the base, with a soft, downy underside. Its whitish or cream-colored flowers bring a subtle beauty to its surroundings. This

A Tiny Orchid with a Big Presence: Myoxanthus congestus 🌿✨ Hidden in the misty forests from southern Mexico to Venezuela, Myoxanthus congestus is an epiphytic orchid that thrives in the humid embrace of the tropics. Its small flowers emerge from a dense cluster of leathery

Allamanda cathartica: The Golden Trumpet 🌼🎶 Allamanda cathartica is a striking plant known for its vibrant, golden-yellow flowers that resemble trumpet-shaped blooms. This species, native to the tropical regions of the Americas, thrives in sunny spots and can often be found

Centaurea cineraria, commonly known as the silvery centaurea, is a striking plant that brings a touch of elegance to any garden with its silvery, woolly leaves. This species is part of the sunflower family, Asteraceae, and is admired for its ability to stand out, even when not in

Caryota urens, also known as the fishtail palm, is known for its unique, large, and deeply lobed leaves, but its flowers are equally captivating. When in bloom, the small, cream-colored flowers emerge in stunning clusters, creating a delicate contrast against the palm’s striking

Scaphyglottis behrii is a small epiphytic orchid that thrives in the warm, low-altitude forests stretching from Mexico to Venezuela. Despite its diminutive size, it boasts delicate white flowers that add a touch of elegance to its surroundings. This orchid is unique not only for

Colaptes mexicanoides, also known as the Mexican woodpecker, is a striking bird that can be found in Central America, particularly in the forests of Guatemala. Known for its vibrant plumage, the Mexican woodpecker is a skilled forager, often seen tapping on tree trunks in search

With its bold yellow petals and intricate brown markings, Rossioglossum ampliatum is a true showstopper. Known as the Tortoiseshell Orchid, this species is found from Guatemala to Peru and Venezuela, growing as an epiphyte on trees or as a lithophyte on rock surfaces. This

Cosmos sulphureus: A Burst of Sunshine in the Garden 🌼🌞 Cosmos sulphureus, commonly known as the golden cosmos, brings a vibrant splash of yellow or orange to any garden. This cheerful, easy-to-grow flower thrives in sunny spots, blooming from summer to fall. Native to Mexico,

Smilax tendril: Nature’s Twist and Grip 🌿🔗 The tendrils of Smilax, a climbing vine native to the tropics, are perfect examples of nature’s ingenuity. These thin, spiral structures help the plant latch onto nearby supports, allowing it to climb and spread in search of sunlight.

Guarianthe x guatemalensis: A Stunning Natural Hybrid 🌸✨ Guarianthe x guatemalensis is a striking natural hybrid found in the heart of Guatemala, where Guarianthe aurantiaca meets Guarianthe skinneri. With its vibrant, orange to bright red or salmon blooms, it captures the

Información para los que estén planificando visitar las playas del Caribe guatemalteco! 🏝️ Quiero compartirles información importante sobre algo que ya está ocurriendo en las playas del Atlántico: el sargazo.