Tropiflora 2009

By Tirzah De Franco

On the 30th anniversary of the Botanical Gardens of Guayaquil, Ecuador; a plant exhibition was held on the 11th, 12th, and 13th of September in the Crystal Palace. This two-story glass building on the boardwalk of the Guayas River was where the Ecuadorian Association of Orchids (Orchidology) and the Botanical Gardens of Guayaquil joined forces to bring us a delightful array of many types of plants ranging from ferns, African violets, geraniums, palms, bromides, lilies, bonsai, and the beloved Ecuadorian orchids along with other plants.

Different garden associations had their stands along with individual plant owners who were invited to display their plants.  The flowers and plants were then judged in respective groups: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, plus honorable mention.  Flowers combined with table settings were also judged. After seeing such beautiful plants one was inspired to start gardening!  If the crowds wanted to purchase plants, there were many plants for sale ranging from $2 to $200.

The following are some pictures of my favorite plants from these special 3 days; bromelias, orchids, table settings, and the exhibition of the Guayaquil Orchid association.

Enjoy!

(All photos by Tirzah De Franco)