The Holy Ghost, a beautiful flower cultivated in Panama, is an orchid that has a small dove with open wings within the center of its petals and is object of delight for foreigners and nationals. The Holy Ghost Orchid blooms every year during the months of July, August and September.

The peristeria elata, scientific denomination of the Holy Ghost Orchid, is characterized by having intense ivory colored petals, decorated in the center of its libel is a well defined dove. This species of orchid has medium, eye-catching, meaty, and fragrant flowers, that are white with purple dots and are produced in bunches with a stem that can reach up to 2.5 meters.

Celebration honoring the Holy Ghost Orchid

During the month of September in the town of Las Minas, province of Herrera, glorifies the flower with the “Expo Feria Flor del Espiritu Santo” (Expo Fair Holy Ghost Orchid), homage to this national symbol that is abundant in bushes and ferns in the areas of this humble town. In this homage they carry out folkloric presentations, exhibitions and sale of orchids as well as of other agricultural products of the region. It is worth mentioning that the Holy Ghost Orchid is not sold during this fair, and there is iron tight security to protect it. You can also watch the crowning of the queen and the parade floats in the homage of the Holy Ghost Orchid.

Interesting Facts

·         The Holy Ghost Orchid is one of the most protected plants in the World with international agreements.

·         Declared national flower of Panama on October 21 of 1980.

·         It blooms from July through October.

·         To cultivate the Holy Ghost Orchid you need to comply with a series of requirements in order to get the flower to bloom, since it delays to bloom when it’s young.

·         This plant has a better growth at approximate altitudes between sea level and 800 meters.

·         In nature it grows in aerated substrates with organic material, in soil rich in humus. They grow better in small bushes or like weeds on the high parts of slopes, sometimes along the sides of paths.

·         To cultivate successfully they should be kept in a humid environment, with good draining system and water them with chlorine free water (rain water).

Endangered

The Holy Ghost Orchid is one of the most endangered flowers due to its great beauty many people and wild flower traffickers pick them or collect them from their natural environment. Reason for which, the herbarium and scientific collections of the world have opted not to include the address or specific locations of where they scientifically collect this plant in their catalogues.

When visiting Panama remember to contact Interpanama Real Estate Agency at +(507) 202-6552 or visit our website www.interpanama.com .