Nearly 500 Orchids Species in Cuba’s Soroa Garden

This garden attracts lovers of nature and particularly of that abundant family of plants, recognized by its curious modified petal

Lashed by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, the famous Soroa Orchid Garden is exhibiting today more than 480 species of the so-called Aristocrat of Flowers, admired by Cuban and foreign tourists.

The largest garden of its kind in Cuba shelters some varieties originating from the national territory and exotic specimens, among them some hybrids, Elaine Gonzalez, director of research at the garden, told Prensa Latina.

This is a valuable heritage that attracts lovers of nature and particularly of that abundant family of plants, recognized by its curious modified petal.

The 2008 meteors devastated a part of the vegetation of that place -belonging to the western province of Artemisa- but the collection of orchids managed to survive thanks to the care of experts, she said.

After the passage of those cyclones, it was necessary to restore nurseries and other areas, toured in 2016 by almost 50,000 travelers from Germany, the United Kingdom, France, not counting those who came from other areas of the island, she recalled.

Accompanied by specialized guides, visitors walk among winding paths to appreciate the floristic diversity in Soroa that also shelters other botanical families.