AboutOrchids

Sunny beaches and tequila aren’t the only reasons to visit Mexico. Vallarta Botanical Gardens shows off the region’s wonderful biodiversity. It’s an easy bus or taxi ride from downtown Puerto Vallarta. Dave and I just returned from a great visit, and we took lots of pictures. First, of course, are the orchids. A sweetly scented Cattleya, an Oncidium, and an Epidendrum are among hundreds of native Mexican orchid species.

While hiking through the 20 acre (8.1 hectare) garden, we met two ornithologists doing research nearby. They happily pointed out and named several tropical birds for us. A brilliant blue San Blas Jay and bright yellow Cacique share a papaya lunch at a feeding station. A Mexican Hermit Hummingbird flutters its wings on a branch in the sun. Also, a bright orange butterfly feeds from a yellow bloom. Its damaged wing demonstrates the perils of its life in the Sierra Madre Mountains, maybe a close call with a hungry bird.

Dedicated to the study and preservation of native Mexican species, Vallarta Botanical Gardens resides in a tropical dry forest ecosystem at 1300 ft. (396 m) elevation. The gardens have more than 3000 plant species, including palms, tropical fruit trees, bromeliads, and succulents. In addition to the Orquideario (orchid greenhouse,) there are countless orchids mounted in trees, and Vanilla vines everywhere. The visitor center and restaurant are draped in white bougainvillea, with a pond of water lilies in front. Enjoy this sample of the floral beauty we saw, and I’ll have more pictures to share soon.

Explore posts in the same categories: Botanical Gardens, Conservation, Fragrant Orchids, Photos, Warm Growers

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 19th, 2011 at 8:44 pm and is filed under Botanical Gardens, Conservation, Fragrant Orchids, Photos, Warm Growers.

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