Ecuador’s floral wonders: The enigmatic orchids take centre stage in Budapest
On November 14, 2024, the “Mysterious Orchids of Ecuador” Orchid and Bromeliad Exhibition was held at the Hungarian Agricultural Museum, organized by the Hungarian Orchid Society in collaboration with the Embassy of Ecuador in Hungary. The event was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, local authorities, business representatives, and the general public.
Astonishing Ecuadorian orchids in Budapest
Ecuagenera, an Ecuadorian company specialized in the cultivation and preservation of orchids and hybrid species, showcased Ecuador’s rich natural treasures with its extensive variety of wild orchids. Based in the Gualaceo Valley, Ecuagenera plays a leading international role in the discovery, conservation, and propagation of orchids.
As part of the event, Ecuador’s Ambassador to Hungary, Cynthia Mayer Zavala, delivered a lecture titled “The Impact of Ecuador’s Flower Industry on the Economy and Tourism.”
The Ambassador highlighted that Ecuador exported flowers worth over $1 billion in 2023, making them the country’s fifth most important export product, reaching 120 destinations, including Hungary. The flower industry directly and indirectly generates approximately 120,000 jobs. Roses dominate flower exports, accounting for 73%, followed by gypsophila and other summer flowers.
Ambassador Mayer Zavala emphasized Ecuador’s extraordinary biodiversity, noting that more than 17,000 plant species have been classified in the country, including over 4,300 orchid species, of which 1,714 are endemic to Ecuador. One of the smallest known flowers, an orchid from the Stelis genus, was discovered in Saraguro, in southern Ecuador, measuring just 0.7 millimeters. The largest orchid, Phragmipedium wallisii, has petals and sepals that can reach lengths of one to two meters.
Ecuador is recognized as one of the world’s foremost orchid countries, thanks to its exceptional geographic location and unique climate. Orchids are an integral part of Ecuador’s natural heritage and a significant attraction for both domestic and international tourism.
The Ambassador also highlighted the “Orchid Route”, an extraordinary journey that offers visitors guided tours through various reserves and botanical gardens, where they can admire these exotic flowers in their natural habitat. Ecuador features six different routes for orchid enthusiasts, including the Galápagos Islands, where the most fascinating orchids can be observed, such as Quito’s Maywa Orchid, the Flower of Guayas, the Dracula Orchid, the world’s smallest orchid, and the Galápagos Orchid.
In addition, she highlighted Ecuador’s unique characteristics: it is the most biodiverse country in the world; the Galápagos Islands are a natural laboratory of the planet; it is the birthplace of cacao; and it lies on the Equator, preserving its rich cultural and natural heritage.
To conclude her speech, Ambassador Mayer Zavala presented the video “This Is Why Ecuador,” showcasing the country’s beauty and diversity.
Finally, the Ambassador invited travelers, naturalists, and nature enthusiasts to explore these wonders, where every region offers unique experiences. She encouraged them to personally discover the “Orchid Route”, which exemplifies Ecuador’s vast biodiversity through its astonishing orchid varieties and breathtaking landscapes.
Special thanks were extended to László Sipos, President of the Hungarian Orchid Society, for supporting the event.
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