Polystemma cualense (Apocynaceae), a new species from western Mexico

A NEW SPECIE FROM WESTERN MEXICO Polystemma cualense (Apocynaceae) By Dr. Cristobal Sánchez June 17, 2026 A newly discovered plant species, Polystemma cualense, has been described from the Sierra El Cuale in Jalisco, Mexico. Found during 2024 botanical expeditions for an oak conservation project, this perennial climbing plant increases the known number of Polystemma species […]
The Vallarta Botanical Garden attends the 2026 American Public Gardens Association (APGA) Annual Conference

The Vallarta Botanical Garden attends the 2026 American Public Gardens Association (APGA) Annual Conference By Dr. Cristobal Sánchez June 17, 2026 The 2026 APGA Annual Conference was held in San Francisco from June 8 to 12, 2026, at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square hotel and its host gardens: Filoli Historic House and Gardens and […]
Mexican Orchid of the Month: Bletia macristhmochila

Mexican Orchid of the Month: Bletia macristhmochila By Biól. Adolfo Servin June 5, 2026 The orchid of the month for June is one of the most beautiful and ephemeral species in our flora: Bletia macristhmochila. It is a geophytic plant, meaning a species capable of storing energy reserves underground in tubers or pseudobulbs during unfavorable […]
Mexican Bird of the Month: Cypseloides niger

Mexican Bird of the Month: Cypseloides niger By Biól. Adolfo Servin June 3, 2026 The bird of the month for June is a species as remarkable as it is elegant: the Black Swift (Cypseloides niger). This medium-sized bird is characterized by its almost entirely black or dark brown plumage. In flight, it can be easily […]
Guardianes de Encinos: estudiantes de El Cuale comprometidos con la conservación

Oak Guardians: El Cuale Students Committed to Conservation By Cristóbal Sánchez May 23, 2026 On April 15 and 16, 2026, a follow-up visit was conducted for the oak conservation project in the Sierra El Cuale, in western Jalisco. This activity was carried out in collaboration with Dr. Maribel Arenas, a researcher from UNAM’s FES Iztacala […]
Mexican Orchid of the Month: Encyclia adenocarpos

Mexican Orchid of the Month: Encyclia adenocarpos By Biól. Oscar Rodríguez Ramos May 12, 2026 The orchid of the month for May is a modest yet undeniably beautiful orchid: Encyclia adenocarpos. It is characterized by pear-shaped pseudobulbs and fairly thin, long leaves. The labellum and the column of the flower are tightly joined, as if […]
Did you know that the pineapple isn’t actually a fruit? The answer lies in its flowers

Did you know that the pineapple isn’t actually a fruit? The answer lies in its flowers… Ananas comosus var. bracteatus By Biól. Cristóbal Sánchez and Esthefanía Beltrán May 7, 2026 If you are looking for a striking, resilient tropical plant that is perfect for ornamental gardens, the Red Pineapple (Ananas comosus var. bracteatus) is one of […]
Vanilla: More than a Fragrance, a 1,500-Year Legacy

Vanilla: more than a fragrance, a 1,500-year legacy Vanilla: more than a fragrance, a 1,500-year legacy By Antonio Gómez April 30, 2026 Intertwined with trees in a “loving vegetal embrace,” vanilla begins at the forest floor and climbs toward the highest canopy. This orchid—the only one in the world that produces an edible fruit—is not […]
Where a Frog Sleeps: Microhabitats That Shape Mexico’s Biodiversity

Where a Frog Sleeps:Microhabitats That Shape Mexico’s Biodiversity Where a Frog Sleeps: Microhabitats That Shape Mexico’s Biodiversity By Esthefanía Beltrán April 9, 2026 In the tropical forests of Mexico’s Pacific coast, biodiversity is not always obvious. Sometimes, it reveals itself quietly: a small frog resting inside a plant, protected by its leaves. This moment brings together […]
Mexican Orchid of the Month: Lycaste crinita

Mexican Orchid of the Month: Lycaste crinita Mexican Orchid of the Month: Haired Orchid Lycaste crinita By Biól. Oscar Rodríguez Ramos March 4, 2026 Lycaste crinita, also known as “Canelita” or The Haired Lycaste, is an epiphytic orchid endemic to Mexico, recognized for its unique appearance and delicate fragrance. This species is found exclusively in the […]