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• Caribbean
• culture an traditions
• Environment
• national
• Pinar del Río
• Business and Economy
• Science and Technology
• 03 / 19 / 2009

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Six months after the passing of the devastating hurricanes Gustav and Ike, which wreaked havoc on the vegetation in this area, the garden now boasts the richness of its heritage and is composed of 400 species of orchids, many of them endemic.

Returning the beauty to the garden, situated in the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve, has been a priority for many Cuban scientists, who have shown their support for the restoration work from the outset.

Following the repair of paths and exhibition sites, the scientific centre in collaboration with the University of Pinar del Río, has recently opened its doors to visitors.

Founded in 1943 by the Spanish lawyer, Tomás Felipe Camacho, Soroa houses fascinating specimens of the so –called queen of the plant kingdom.

While some varieties grown in the open air have completely disappeared, the main collections have been saved, Jorge Lázaro Bocourt, specialist at the institution, told Prensa Latina.

Researchers at the foundation currently organize expeditions to collect orchids in the central and western regions of the country in order to increase populations of orchids, also christened the aristocrat of flowers for its elegance and colours.

In vitro reproduction is another strategy which allows the acquisition of thousands of specimens from just one fruit, experts confirm.


(Guerrilero.cu)