THE COLOMBIAN ORCHID


The Orchid is the national flower of Colombia, specifically the variety called Cattleye Trianae, in honour of the Colombian naturalist, José Jerónimo Triana. It is an epiphyte with fleshy leaves, whose shape and colours are extraordinarily beautiful. 
This flower was chosen by the Colombian Academy of History in 1936. Orchids are one of the great treasures of Colombia and are well-known and appreciated worldwide.   
They are amongst the most beautiful orchids in the world.  They grow widely in the temperate climate of the mountainous regions near Bogota and in the departments of Antioquia, Caldas, Risaralda, Boyaca, Santander, Huila, Valle, Cauca and Nariño.   They flourish particularly during the months of March and April.  
The Orchid National Park is located in the department of Antioquia. It is a special privilege for the orchid industry since many of them grow wild in diverse regions in the south-west of  Antioquia.