The Rare Species Conservatory Foundation in coordination with Tropical World Nursery manages conservation programs at Tropical World de las Flores, a botanical propagation center near Fortin de las Flores, in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. Focusing exclusively on rare plant conservation and preservation, this 15-ha complex of greenhouses, cell culture lab, nurseries and staff/visitor housing is nestled in the temperate highlands near Mt. Orizaba, which is snow-covered year-round. The center is a biological preserve, propagating local flora and serving as a research base for scientists and naturalists. Rare orchid culture is ongoing, as are propagation efforts with bromeliads, palms, ferns, begonias and a myriad of rare alpine flora. Field programs focus on gathering cell scrapings from wild plants in the forest, which are then cultured in the lab, producing thousands of identical plants. This technology effectively reduces the demand for plants taken from the forest, thereby insuring the plants will not be harvested to extinction in the wild. This sustainable industry also creates much-needed revenue for the center. All proceeds from plant sales go directly to the center for continuing research. The flower pictured above is a rare Brazilian blue amaryllis (Worsleya rayneri) cultivated at the center. The facility comfortably accommodates 30+ visitors, and is suitable for extended stays.

For further information about eco-tours to Tropical World de las Flores, click here.