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 […]

Orchid of the month: Trichocentrum brachyphyllum

Orchid of the month: Trichocentrum brachyphyllum Orchid of the month: Chorizo con huevo Trichocentrum brachyphyllum   By Biól. Oscar Rodríguez Ramos  February 7, 2026 A pseudobulbous epiphytic orchid with a very funny name in Spanish and a somewhat complicatedtaxonomic history. The peculiar name in Spanish of this orchid refers to its resemblance to atypical Mexican […]

Bird of the month: Icterus cucullatus

Bird of the Month: Icterus cucullatus Bird of the month: Hooded Oriole Icterus cucullatus   By Biol. Oscar Rodríguez Ramos February 4, 2026 The Bird of the Month for February is the Lesser Black-backed Oriole, an elegant winter visitor to our botanical garden. It is also known as the Hooded Oriole and belongs to the passerine […]

Barkeria Obovata

Mexican Orchid of the Month:Barkeria obovata Mexican Orchid of the Month: Barkeria obovata   By Cristóbal Sánchez and Jesús Ángel Barajas January 21, 2026 The genus Barkeria comprises at least 17 species, of which 15 are found in Mexico, and 7 occur within our botanical garden and its surrounding areas. This month, we present a particularly small orchid […]

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 […]

Russet-crowned Motmot

Russet-crowned Motmot Russet-crowned Motmot Momotus mexicanus   By Eduardo Villegas September 5, 2025 The Russet-crowned Motmot (Momotus mexicanus) is a species of coraciiform bird belonging to the Momotidae family. The vast majority of its distribution is in Mexico, covering practically the entire Pacific slope, though there is a known population in Guatamela too. Guatemala shows […]

Golden-cheeked Woodpecker

Golden-cheeked Woodpecker Golden-cheeked Woodpecker Melanerpes chrysogenys   By Eduardo Villegas September 5, 2025 The Golden-cheeked Woodpecker (Melanerpes chrysogenys) is a bird found exclusively in Mexico, along the western and southwestern coastal strip of the Pacific Ocean, and in the western bordering regions of the mountains of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. This colorful and eye-catching species […]