By: Biól. Jesus Ángel Barajas Fragoso
Rhynchostele cervantesii a Mexican orchid species widely recognized for its beauty and highly appreciated in horticulture worldwide. In addition, it has been traditionally used as an ornamental in churches and Christmas nativity scenes. Since the 19th century, it has been subject to intense extraction to satisfy commercial demand, as evidenced by the shipment of nearly 100,000 specimens from the Colima Volcano by botanist Benedikt Roezl in 1875. However, this practice continues today, seriously affecting its natural populations.
Unfortunately, indiscriminate extraction is not the only threat to this species. It also faces risks due to fires and the expansion of coffee plantations in regions of Michoacán and the State of Mexico, as well as illegal logging in Oaxaca, which compromises its habitat. For these reasons, the Mexican government has included it in NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010 under the Threatened category, while the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has listed it in its Appendix II to regulate its trade.
Its name honors Vicente Cervantes Mendo, a prominent Spanish botanist whose work at the University of Mexico and the Royal Botanical Garden of Mexico City was fundamental to the study of Mexican flora. Thanks to his scientific contributions, he was allowed to remain in the country after Mexico’s independence, retaining his titles and recognition.
