Orchid Exhibit

From the butterfly house there is an exit that takes you to a bridge over the Yaragua Creek. This creek is being restored so wild animals can have a refuge. Large iguanas live freely in the trees along the creek.

Kingfishers, Motmots, warblers and over 100 other species of birds are found here.

The stone path will lead you to the orchid exhibit. This exhibit has over 100 species of native orchids from all over Honduras. It contains a number of new records for the country and even new species for science. One new species to be published will be called Sobralia gallardii, named after Robert Gallardo, who found this lovely orchid in the mountains to the north of Copan.

Sobralia “gallardii”

Robert and Irma have personally established one of the most diverse collections of living native orchids in Honduras. Accompanying the exhibit is a full color identification book done by Robert and Irma over a two year course. Most species are numbered which corresponds to the numbered plants. The exhibit has two levels: a warm upper level for more light loving species and a lower level for ones that come from higher elevations and prefer cooler conditions. It is complete with a waterfall to raise humidity, lower the air temperature and circulate air.

Upper level; Subterranean level

Although there are blooming orchids nearly all year there do exist two high seasons when more are in bloom on a daily basis which are: Feb. to April and July to mid-Sept.

Click here to see a sampling of the orchids found in the collection.

Orchid posters and photographs are available at the Center’s reception area. Shadow boxes with butterflies are also available.

Orchid Poster; Shadow boxes with butterflies