By: Biól. Jesus Ángel Barajas Fragoso
There are around 70 species of Encyclia in Mexico and one of the smallest flowers in this genus is the Encyclia parviflora. This orchid is native and endemic to Mexico. Although it is generally epiphytic, that is, it grows on other plants, sometimes it can also grow on the ground.
These plants have ‘pseudobulbs’, which are thickened and fleshy structures that serve to store water and nutrients. The inflorescence can reach up to 48 cm long and produce up to 30 ochre-brown flowers, with a white labellum with magenta lines. In addition, this orchid gives off a delicious violet scent when under intense light.
Its strange name comes from párvus, which means ‘small’ and floris which refers to ‘flower’: with small flowers or with few flowers’, because of its small-medium size compared to other Encyclia.
We invite you to see it at the Vallarta Botanical Garden, don’t miss its flowering season and its fragrant aroma!
