Mexican Orchid of the Month:

Encyclia adenocarpos

By Biól. Oscar Rodríguez Ramos 

May 12, 2026

The orchid of the month for May is a modest yet undeniably beautiful orchid: Encyclia adenocarpos.

It is characterized by pear-shaped pseudobulbs and fairly thin, long leaves. The labellum and the column of the flower are tightly joined, as if forming an airtight seal. Meanwhile, the inflorescences and ovaries have a texture covered in small dots.

In some regions of Mexico, orchids of the genus Encyclia are known as “butterfly orchids,” referring to their flowers; they are also called “trompillos” because their pseudobulbs are used as spinning tops by children.

Another use for these orchids is in the production of a pre-Hispanic adhesive called Tzauhtli. Tzauhtli is depicted in the Florentine Codex in the creation of feather mosaics. Although various orchid species are used in the production of this ancient adhesive, it is described that a species of Encyclia is the one used to make the highest-quality Tzauhtli. However, the identity of this orchid remains uncertain.

Encyclia adenocarpos is an epiphytic orchid species, meaning it grows attached to tree bark. It is found in lowland rainforests on the Pacific slope from southern Sonora in Mexico to northern Nicaragua.

This species of orchid is naturally found throughout the region, so be sure to keep a close eye on the trees along the Jaguar Trail at the Vallarta Botanical Garden or see it cultivated in front of the bathrooms.

Discover this and other species of Encyclia that we have in the Garden. Also, visit our in vitro propagation laboratory, located in the Native Plant Conservatory, where we are working to conserve orchids native to the region.