Discover the National Flower of Venezuela: Orchid Cattleya Mossiae

Venezuela is a country in the northern part of South America. It is bordered by the Caribbean Sea in the north, Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south. This Latin American country has a diverse geography, with tall mountains, wide plains, the largest lake in South America, the world’s highest waterfall, tropical jungles, and coastal plains. These form the ecosystems for the country’s many different plant and animal species. This landscape is home to many beautiful flowering plants, including the national flower of Venezuela: the Cattleya mossiae.

As a symbol of the country’s people, history, culture, and landscape, the Cattleya mossiae inhabits a unique place as Venezuela’s national flower. This article will cover this unique orchid plant, covering its appearance, where it grows, its cultural significance, and its prevalence in Venezuelan culture. By the end, you will know all about this beautiful and unique flower and why it was chosen to represent the country on a global stage as the national flower of Venezuela. Let’s dive in together now!

What is Venezuela’s National Flower?

The national flower of Venezuela is a species of orchid called the Cattleya mossiae. This orchid species, also commonly known as an “Easter orchid,” grows throughout Venezuela’s coastal mountain region. While orchids bloom in a wide range of colors, the Cattleya mossiae typically blossoms in shades of pink to purple. 

The Cattleya mossiae is one among several orchid species that are native to Venezuela and neighboring countries in South America. In May 1951, the current president of the country declared the orchid to be the national flower of Venezuela. However, making this official took several years. The Venezuelan Society of Natural Sciences led a long process to confirm that the Cattleya mossiae qualified to be Venezuela’s national flower. They confirmed several important elements, including that it originated from Venezuela. Eventually satisfied, they approved the Cattleya mossiae as the country’s official floral emblem. Today, it is recognized throughout the country as a representation of the Venezuelan people.

What is the Cattleya mossiae?

The national flower of Venezuela, the Cattleya mossiae, goes by several other names. It is also called the “Easter orchid,” “Easter cattleya,” or “Moss cottleya.” This orchid flower blooms with vibrant shades of purple and pink. The plant grows natively in Venezuela and is a type of orchid known as an epiphyte. This means that it grows in jungle trees, where it emits a sweet, pleasant fragrance. These orchids produce leathery or waxy-feeling evergreen oval leaves. Many people recognize them because of their showy, funnel-shaped flowers that can reach up to 6 inches long. Although these flowers can come in a range of colors, including gold and white, the most famous Cattleya mossiae blossoms come in bright pink and purple.

Cattleya mossiae is native to Venezuela and belongs to the genus Cattleya, which contains many different species in the orchid family. Scientists estimate that Venezuela contains at least 1,500 orchid species that are native to the country. However, some other countries in the South American region have many more! For example, some scientists estimate that over 4,000 orchid species grow in Colombia. Like other orchids, Cattleya mossiae typically flowers in the springtime, often during April or May. Its flowers attract many pollinators, such as bees.

Where Does the Cattleya mossiae Grow?

In total, Venezuela takes up 353,841 square miles, which is comprised of both the country’s landmass on mainland South America and islands in the Caribbean Sea. There are more than 300 different Venezuelan islands, many of which you have likely never heard of and which few people have ever visited. The landscape of this beautiful country is home to a vast array of plant and animal species. From the coral snake and the giant anteater to the capybara and the endangered merida treefrog, Venezuela is home to many unique and rare species. These animals live in an ecosystem comprised of over 21,000 different plant species, many of which are native to the country. Among these are one unique plant: the national flower of Venezuela, the Cattleya mossiae. 

Growing Environment of the Cattleya mossiae

The national flower of Venezuela grows natively in the mountainous coastal regions in the northern part of the country. Like other Cattleya orchids, Cattleya mossiae belongs in the tropical rainforests, often several thousand feet above sea level. There, they typically grow best in the branches or on the trunks of living trees. The plants with the best flowers grow in places with bright or dappled sunlight. Those that grow in darker, dense parts of the forest sometimes do not flower. On the flip side, the orchids growing in sunny areas flower profusely. 

While some other orchid species grow in soil, Cattleya mossiae is part of the group of orchids that are epiphytes. These orchids grow on other plants, rocks, or other materials. In particular, the Cattleya mossiae grows in Venezuela’s jungle trees. Rather than absorbing nutrients through the soil, this orchid gets everything it needs from water, the air, and plants decaying nearby.

During the winter, the orchid plant gets to rest. The ideal environment for this is cool, sunny, and aerated areas where the species can grow and prepare for the next flowering season.

What is the Cultural Significance of Venezuela’s National Flower? 

In Venezuela, the Cattleya mossiae was chosen to be the national flower to represent the natural beauty of the country. In many countries in South America, including Venezuela, orchids are important symbols of beauty, love, and spiritual power. Because these flowers often bloom around the Easter holiday, they are sometimes associated with religious celebrations or used to decorate during spiritual ceremonies and events. 

Orchids appear throughout many aspects of Venezuelan culture and the cultures of nearby countries. They are mentioned in poems, songs, and stories, appear in recipes, and can be seen visualized in decorative arts. Even museum exhibitions and cultural analyses have emphasized the importance of orchids to many different parts of Venezuelan tradition and folklore.

As a beautiful piece of nature, orchids such as the Cattleya mossiae appear in Venezuelan art, architecture, poetry, and literature. From folk art made by everyday people to that exhibited in museums and art galleries, representations of this beautiful flower can be found throughout the country and beyond.

What Are the Other National Symbols of Venezuela?

The orchid, and the Cattleya mossiae in particular, is a popular visual motif in Venezuela. While just one species, many remember the significance of orchids when they see the Cattleya mossiae. As a species native to Venezuela, it symbolizes many different aspects of national pride, culture, and tradition. As the national flower of Venezuela, it is just one of several different symbols chosen by the people to represent their culture, history, and landscape.

Here are some other national symbols, alongside the national flower of Venezuela:

• The official motto of Venezuela is “Dios y federacion” (“God and federation”) referencing both the role of religion and that of government.
• The flag of Venezuela has horizontal bands of yellow, blue, and red. It also features eight stars to represent the people who signed the Venezuelan Declaration of Independence. Lastly, the corner of the flag includes the national Coat of Arms.
• The national sport is football (known to those in the U.S. as soccer).
• The national instrument is the cuatro, a stringed instrument similar to a guitar.
• The national animal is the Venezuelan troupial, a bird found only in a small region of South America.

These, as well as other symbols not listed, represent Venezuela’s ecosystem, government, and people. If you visit this unique country, look for orchids! Perhaps you will be lucky! If so, you may find the national flower of Venezuela, the Cattleya mossiae, growing in the jungle trees near you. If not, look for other representations of orchids in the art and media throughout the country. You may find them in art galleries, cafes, or even street art!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/wisan224