Living in Peru : your everyday companion

Living in Peru
Jobana Soto

Orchids are an exotic treat in the natural kingdom, so much so it’s got Erica Morón de Abad hooked on these flowering beauties. While orchids can pretty much be found anywhere around the world, Morón focuses her time researching and taking down prevalent date on one species of orchids in particular – the Peruvian orchids.

For the past 10 years, Morón has dedicated her life to Peruvian orchids, finding new species and breeding methods for the wildlife plant. As a member of Club Peruano de Orquídeas, she has the help she needs from this dedicated organization keep her resources active and information up-to-date. 

“Orchids are some of the most beautiful flowers in the world,” Morón explains in our recent phone interview. “Many Peruvians don’t know what Peruvian orchids look like,” and that’s a pity.

Morón’s dedication to her orchids has allowed her to expand the publicity of Peru’s finest beauties. She has recently released a calendar showing 12 different species of orchids that come from Peru.

“There are three thousand species of Peruvian orchids” but we are finding new species everyday, says Morón, which is why she dedicated the first page of her calendar, Peru Fantástico: Orquídeas, of two new species recently discovered. 

The calendar is Morón’s original work, as she traveled all over Peru to find these plants in their natural habitats. It was during this trip she was able to compile her photo collection, as well as a few contributions from other photographers.

The calendar features “very rare flowers, each with their own unique look,” which has fueled Morón’s desire to expand her calendar to a broader vision. A 400-page book which will soon accompany Morón’s calendar as she works with American biologist Dr. Harry Zelenko to help with printing

“He came to Peru last year to meet us (Club Peruano de Orquídeas) and wanted to contribute to the information for the book...free!”

With Dr. Zelenko editing for accuracy, the book will feature 1,600 photos and hundreds of species of Peru orchids that can be used for any plant hobbyist and professional alike.  It's set to release sometime this November or December.

Morón still continues with her research of orchids. She is currently doing research for a Swedish company on more research for Peruvian orchids.

"I'm not a certified professional," she says with a laugh, "I'm just someone with a huge fascination for these flowers."