Lily of the Valley Orchid
By: Biol. Jesús Ángel Barajas
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 respected historical figure. With the original “Cuauhtlahuac” meaning “Eagle over the Water,” this emperor was the main Tlatoani defender of the Mexicas and the indigenous strategist who defeated Hernán Cortés and his troops during the Night of Victory on June 30, 1520.
The species name pulchella comes from the diminutive of the Latin pulcher, meaning pretty, beautiful, and also small, as its flowers only reach 3.5 cm in diameter. Despite its small size, these blooms are very striking for their texture and contrasting white and yellow-orange coloring. As a bonus, it emits an intense perfume in the morning, so if you want to enjoy it best, come early!
