Cattleya trianae: The National Flower of Colombia
Known colloquially as the Flor de Mayo (May flower) or the "Christmas orchid," Cattleya trianae is a stunning species of flowering plant belonging to the family Orchidaceae. This epiphytic orchid—a plant that grows upon another plant for physical support rather than nutrition—is endemic to Colombia, where it holds a place of high cultural and national significance.
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The National Symbol of Colombia
In November 1936, the National Academy of History of Argentina invited Latin American nations to showcase their most representative flowers in a special exhibition. The Colombian government tasked botanist Emilio Robledo with selecting a plant that best embodied the nation's identity.
The selection of Cattleya trianae was based on two primary factors:
- Visual Symbolism: The orchid's lip features a blend of yellow, blue, and red, mirroring the colors of the Colombian national flag.
- Scientific Heritage: The species was named in honor of José Jerónimo Triana, a prominent 19th-century Colombian botanist.
Botanical Classification and Characteristics
Cattleya trianae is a monocot within the order Asparagales. It is characterized by its succulent leaves and its ability to thrive in specific high-altitude environments. From a genetic perspective, the species has a diploid chromosome number of 2n = 40, with a haploid number of n = 20.
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Scientific Taxonomy
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Clades | Embryophytes, Tracheophytes, Angiosperms, Monocots |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Cattleya |
| Species | C. trianae |
Habitat and Conservation Status
This orchid is naturally found in cloud forests—high-altitude moist forests characterized by frequent low-level cloud cover. Specifically, Cattleya trianae grows at elevations between 1,500 and 2,000 meters above sea level.
Unfortunately, the species is currently considered endangered. The primary driver of its decline is habitat destruction. To regulate international trade and protect the species from over-exploitation, it is listed under CITES Appendix II, an international agreement ensuring that trade does not threaten the survival of the species in the wild.
Key Facts
- Common Names: Flor de Mayo, Christmas orchid.
- Endemic Region: Colombia.
- Habitat: Cloud forests at 1,500–2,000 meters elevation.
- Conservation Status: Endangered; listed in CITES Appendix II.
- Chromosome Count: Diploid 2n = 40; Haploid n = 20.
- National Status: Nominated as Colombia's national flower in 1936.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Cattleya trianae the national flower of Colombia?
It was chosen because its lip colors (yellow, blue, and red) match the Colombian flag and because it honors the Colombian botanist José Jerónimo Triana.
What is an epiphytic orchid?
An epiphytic orchid is a plant that grows on the surface of another plant, typically a tree, using it for physical support rather than extracting nutrients or water from the host.
Where does Cattleya trianae naturally grow?
It is endemic to Colombia, specifically inhabiting cloud forests at altitudes between 1,500 and 2,000 meters above sea level.
What is the conservation status of this orchid?
The species is endangered due to the destruction of its natural habitat and is protected under CITES Appendix II to monitor and regulate its trade.
What are some of the synonyms for Cattleya trianae?
Some synonyms include Cattleya labiata var. trianae, Epidendrum labiatum var. trianae, and Cattleya bogotensis.