Highlighted for its beauty and its distinctive white color, the white nun, patrio symbol of Guatemala, Face threats due to the destruction of their habitat and illegal extraction.
Unique among the more than one thousand species of orchids that grow in Guatemala, The white nun is recognized as a symbol of peace and beauty. Considered one of the most exotic flowers in the world, it is mainly found in the Department of Alta Verapaz, where the humidity of its lands favors its development.
His name comes from his unique form, which resembles a nun in prayer, and his small stem enhances his delicacy. Scientifically known as Lycaste virginalis form albawas declared a National Flor de Guatemala on February 11, 1934.
Some scientists believe that this flower is an albina orchid who lost its purple color over time, which explains its yellow center and its petals of a glowing white. Currently, it is in danger due to the destruction of forests where its illegal extraction lives, since its commercialization in the black market has increased due to its rarity and high value.
Discover the importance of its conservation and the reasons why it was designated as a national flower.
History of the National Flower
Known as SAQI IXQ In Q’eqchi ‘language, the white nun was admired by the ancient indigenous peoples descendants of the Maya. His first historical record dates from the arrival of the Spaniards to the territory in the 16th century, who gave him his name for his appearance, which resembles a nun in prayer.
Its history is related to the independence of Guatemala, since, after the emancipation of Spanish domain, this flower became a symbol of freedom in the region.
The appointment of the white nun as a national flower arose after its participation in the International Flores exhibition in 1933. Representatives of the event sent a letter to the Guatemalan authorities suggesting that this species be adopted as a floral symbol of the country.
The document was transferred to the Ministers of State and subsequently to President Jorge Ubico. Accompanied by a botanical panel, the president approved the proposal, and in 1934 the white nun was officially declared a National Flor de Guatemala.
To commemorate its importance, it was designated February 11 as the National Nun Day of the White Nun, Date that highlights the natural wealth of the country, considered one of the 20 megadiverse countries of the world.
In 1946, through a government decree, the Guatemalan authorities prohibited the commercialization, export and collection of this orchid, thus reinforcing its protection and conservation.
This species belongs to class Monocotyledoneae Already the family Orchidaceaecalled Lycaste in honor of the daughter of Priam, king of Troy, mentioned in the works of Homer and Virgil.
The ancient indigenous peoples descendants of the Maya believed that the white nun had a mythical origin, because, according to the legend, she was born from a princess of great beauty that was turned into a flower by the gods.
Scientific reason for its color
Botanists who have studied the genetic composition of the white nun explain that this orchid belongs to the family Orchidaceae and that its beauty is due to the harmony of its three sepals, two petals and a lip.
Specialists in the field have determined that this plant has developed ecological interactions with specific pollinating insects and fungi, with which it forms associations called mycorrhizae.
Experts indicate that the White Nun is a semi -coast species, since it retains the yellow color in the center of the flower, but has lost its original purple hue.
“Its absence of color is due to a genetic accident in its 40 chromosomes: the loss of a gene responsible for the synthesis of the anthocyanin pigment, which gives color to flowers,” says Miguel Torres, a microbiologist.
Flora in danger
According to the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP), the white nun (Lycaste virginalis form alba (Dombrain) Archila & Chiron) faces serious threats due to the destruction of its habitat, caused by housing expansion, the exploitation of natural resources and the looting of the species for sale in the international black market.
Conap points out that these reasons have led to the disappearance of the white nun in its natural environment. For two decades, this orchid is no longer in its original habitat and is located on the verge of extinction in the region.
In 2014, the institution created the National Fund for the Conservation of Nature, with the aim of reproducing specimens for its reintroduction in its ecosystem. As a result, in 2017 and 2018, 700 flowers were rejoined to the forests.
For its part, in 1990, the botanist Fredy Archila founded the Experimental Orchid Station, where 1,500 growing copies have been recovered that hope to be reinserted in their natural habitat.