What should I look for in Colombia?

[JungleWriter]

I am off to Colombia! In mid-July, I'll be traveling to a remote part of Colombia near Medellin. The aim of the expedition is to conduct biological surveys to document the area's biodiversity including, of course, orchids.

The expedition is part of the SavingSpecies conservation project to save orchids and hummingbirds in Colombia

So what kinds of species should I be looking for? We know that there are Dracula spp. in the area, but it would be nice to find something really obscure!

[flexdc]

I think the most obvious is Miltonia species. I heard the parents of our modern beautiful hybrids originate from cloud forests there.

[JungleWriter]

Excellent idea. Are there any publications that might help me know where to look? I don't know if we'll have access to the forest canopy. Most likely it will be terrestrial or lower canopy.

[flexdc]

I don't know publications, but may be do a google search? Also Orchidspecies.com has some very good info.

[JungleWriter]

Thank you! I will check it out and see what comes up.

[santiago]

exactly where near medellin? because within a couple hours of driving you could find all sorts of orchids; cattleya, oncidium, pleurothallis, masdevallia, dracula, stanhopeinae. i could keep going, but i think you got my point

[JungleWriter]

Ola Santiago! Yes, you are right of course, we expect loads of orchids -- but I was wondering what to look out for particularly. Our project area is Le Mesenia. I'm not sure where that is exactly.

(BTW I see you are a Pink Floyd fan! Me too.)

[santiago]

to be honest with you, it's the first time i've ever heard of that place, but i can tell you that based on the area and climate. you are going to see lots of "roadside orchids" like elleanthus or epidendrum.

and some that i've alredy mentioned; pleurothallis, masdevallia, and even maxillaria.

i wish i could be more helpful, but since i don't know the area, this info is all could get on the national herbarium

[JungleWriter]

This is the location of the field station where we'll be based
La Mesenia - Colombia

[Arenalbotanicalgarden]

Originally Posted by JungleWriter

This is the location of the field station where we'll be based
La Mesenia - Colombia

All of the info you seek here, will be available there.