Guaria Morada: Guarianthe skinneri
The National Flower of Costa Rica
Classification:
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Asparagales
Family: Orchidaceae
Genus: Guarianthe
Species: G. skinneri
Threats: The Guaria Morada became rare recently, however conservation efforts and national park protection is helping the numbers climb again.
Characteristics:
Guaria Morada is an epiphytic plant, and has grooved, narrow pseudobulbs at its base. It has large, wide leaves, and beautiful purple orchid blossoms that flower from 1-4 weeks, usually in January-March. The flowers have a range of pink, lilac, and purple tints, as well as albino (and fake albino) blossoms.
Cultural Importance: It was named the national plant of Costa Rica on June 15th, 1939. In Guatemala, the flower is known as "Flor de Candelaria," because its blossoming coincides with the feast of the Virgin of Calendaria on February 2nd, and was also formerly known as "Flor de San Sebastian" for its coinciding blossoming on the feast day of Saint on January 20th.