Today, the radio news informed the nation that, about a decade ago, the Guatemalan national flower, Monja Blanca or White Nun Orchid in English, had gone extinct in the wild. However, through the work of the following institution CONAP, FONACOM, and ARCAS in efforts to preserve this flower for future generations, the propagation of this plant was achieved in laboratories.
Photo by Fernando Cifuentes
Fernando’s grandmother used to have an interesting botanic practice. Every time she saw a beautiful flower, be it on the streets or in someone else’s garden, she would ask permission to cut a stem from it so that she could propagate it in her own garden or in a pot inside her house. If there was no one to ask the permission of, she would simply cut it. Fernando remembers this vividly, as she would ask him to cut those stems for her. And, it was this practice that made the grandchild into the urban farmer that he is now.
As the years went by, Fernando had not seen anyone else perform such practice. Maybe out of public shame. Maybe out of “indecency”. Maybe because it was too much trouble. Maybe because people were afraid to hurt the flower. Yet, it is through this practice that people can enjoy of the smell and sight of a new flower or plant in front of their eyes.
Fernando has this habit of bringing home a cutting of a flower that catches his attention in hopes to succeed in propagating the plant to reproduce the same beautiful flower in his own backyard. Recently, he propagated Rosemary and Basil. Consider doing the same. Consider bringing nature into your home. Take a small pot, a paper cup, or any small container and propagate that flower that you like. These cuttings do not take up much space. Just give them a little bit of sunlight, a little bit of water, and a little bit of care. One day, perhaps another urban farmer from the next generation, will ask permission to cut the stem from that plant or flower that you just helped reproduce. Or maybe he won’t ask permission at all. Nonetheless, that plant or flower will remain alive and reproduce.
Photo by Fernando Cifuentes
Fernando believes that a plant is similar to a living memory. A memory of a place, a moment, a gift, a smile. A memory that can be brought into our homes to make our homes more like home. To Fernando, each cutting is a living memory of his grandmother and time spent with her.
Take on the role of an urban gardener, and propagate your favourite plants and herbs. With a little skill and ingenuity, you can bring some of nature’s beauty home. It’s the perfect way to add to your plant collection what is rare and heritage.
By Fernando Cifuentes
Please note that opinions expressed are the author’s own. They do not necessarily reflect the views and values of The Blank Page.
References
Scientific name: Lycaste skinneri. Grows in Central America in moderate altitudes.
Consejo Nacional de Áreas Protegidas. English: National Council of Protected Areas.
Fideicomiso de Administración e Inversión del Fondo Nacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza. English. Scrow of Administration and Investment of the National Fund for the Conservation of Nature.
Asociación para el Rescate de la Vida Silvestre. English: Association for the Rescuing of the Wild Life.
http://www.prensalibre.com/guatemala/comunitario/monja-blanca-fue-reproducida-in-vitro
