With around 4,000 orchid species, the country of Ecuador has the highest diversity of orchids in the world. (Dodson, 2006) This is an interesting fact considering the size of our country but is thanks to the multitude of ecosystems and microclimates which exist because of the Andean mountain chain. At a global level, the more commercial orchids and plants are bred by crossing natural species various times over.
We have more than 20 years experience working with orchids which means we also possess the scientific knowledge for managing different species and varieties of plants in the Mindo area, Puerto Quito.
We hold permits from the Ministry of Environment and as well as an agreement from CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna) for the management of all orchid species in Ecuador.
The possibility to reproduce the plants at a
large scale, using the native species and introducing other species bought under the permission of CITES has allowed us to develop the first natural orchid farm in Ecuador with species such as Acineta superba, Anguloa clowessi, Bolea celeste, Cattleya chocoensis, Cattleya dowiana, Cattleya mendelii, Cattleya schroderae, Cattleya trianae, Comparettia macroplectron, Cyrtochilum sp,, etc.
We involve visitors to Kaony Lodge in the methodology needed for the study of the native plants found in Kaony and of course the study of orchids as well as the importance that these plants hold in the ecosystem and the environment.