Mexican Orchid of the Month: Prosthechea madrensis – The Shell Flower of the Sierra Madre

Mexican Orchid of the Month: Prosthechea madrensis Mexican Orchid of the Month:The Shell Flower of the Sierra Madre Prosthechea madrensis   By Biól. Oscar Rodríguez Ramos March 4, 2026 A Mexican Orchid with History and a Subtle Fragrance The Orchid of the Month is Prosthechea madrensis, commonly known in Mexico as flor de concha (shell flower). This species stands out […]

Platystele stenostachya: The Tiny Orchid That Challenges the Eye

The Tiny Orchid That Challenges the Eye: Platystele stenostachya The Tiny Orchid That Challenges the Eye Platystele stenostachya   By Biól. Oscar Rodriguez Ramos February 19, 2026 Platystele stenostachya is a miniature orchid that bears one of the smallest flowers in the plant kingdom, making it a true gem within the world of Mexican orchids. This species is native to […]

Bird of the Month: Ara Militaris

Bird of the Month: Ara militaris Bird of the Month: Ara Militaris Ara militaris   By Biól. Jesús Ángel Barajas Fragoso January 7, 2026 IUCN: VU, NOM-059: P This new year, we bring you some facts about one of the most emblematic birds in our garden and in western Mexico. It is the sixth largest […]

Bird of the Month: Yellow-breasted Chat

Bird of the Month: Yellow-breasted Chat Bird of the Month: Yellow-breasted Chat Icteria virens   By Biól. Jesús Ángel Barajas Fragoso November 20, 2025 For a long time, Icteria virens, known as the Yellow-breasted Chat, was considered part of the Parulidae family, along with tree warblers, orioles, New World blackbirds, sparrows, and buntings. However, its unique behavior and […]

Orchid of the month: Barkeria scandens

Orchid of the month: Barkeria scandens Orchid of the month: Barkeria scandens   By Biól. Jesús Ángel Barajas Fragoso November 18, 2025 The orchid Bakeria scandens is endemic to Mexico, growing natively in Guerrero, the State of Mexico, Michoacán, and Oaxaca. Prized for its elegance and ornamental value, this striking species has captivated national and international collectors, becoming a […]

United for Conservation: VBG at BGCI-CATIE

United for Conservation: VBG at BGCI-CATIE United for Conservation: VBG at BGCI-CATIE Technical Workshop in Turrialba   By Evelyn Martínez Cuevas October 22, 2025 The Vallarta Botanical Gardens (VBG) is part of the Central and Caribbean Botanical Garden (CCBG) and the Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) networks. Both organizations promote collaboration between gardens on conservation, […]

Program for the conservation of El Cuale oak continues (Quercus cualensis)

Program for the conservation of El Cuale oak continues (Quercus cualensis) Program for the conservation of El Cuale oak continues (Quercus cualensis)   By Biól. Jesús Ángel Barajas Fragoso August 5, 2025 A core part of our mission is working with local communities to spread awareness of and enthusiasm for their natural heritage and what they can do to the unique biodiversity of […]

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Black-chinned Hummingbird Black-chinned Hummingbird Archilochus alexandri By Biól. Jesús Ángel Barajas Fragoso August 1, 2025 As we continue celebrating our migratory hummingbirds, the featured hummingbird of the month is the Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri), which can be found in woodland habitats from Canada to Mexico. This hummingbird swings its tail down and up more frequently […]

Cuitlauzina pulchella

Cuitlauzina pulchella Cuitlauzina pulchella Lily of the Valley Orchid   By Biól. Jesús Ángel Barajas Fragoso April 08, 2026 With a native range spanning from El Salvador to southern Mexico, the Vallarta Botanical Garden welcomes this small and beautiful flower. The genus Cuitlauzina was named in honor of Cuitláhuac, penultimate Mexica emperor and a highly […]

Guaranteeing the future of four endangered orchid species

Guaranteeing the future of four endangered orchid species Guaranteeing the future of four endangered orchid species By Christopher Jacobs July 22, 2025 It may be tucked away inconspicuously in one of our conservatories, but the in vitro Orchid Propagation Laboratory at the Vallarta Botanical Garden is a powerhouse of conservation. Every year the lab cultivates […]