28/02/2012
The collection of native orchids within the grounds of Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo hotel is staggering, boasting over 372 species. Guests at the hotel can walk through the tranquil orchid gardens to observe these with expert guides, with some orchids so tiny they require a looking glass to spot.
This month, two new species of bromeliad orchids were identified – completely new to science – (Tillandsioideae – Bromeliaceae) growing abundantly in Machu Picchu Inca ruins, by ERIC J. GOUDA from the Botanic Garden at the University of Utrecht, Netherlands and with the support of José Koechlin, Inkaterra´s founder & CEO, Carmen Soto, resident biologist & orchid specialist at Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel & Julio Ochoa, Biologist at Machu Picchu Sanctuary. The two species are called Guzmania inkaterrae & Tillandsia machupicchuensis.
You can view a video of the orchids at Inkaterra Machu Picchu here…
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajHoKG8Zkz0&w=560&h=315]
28.2.12
