Quito, (15/12/2014) Dracula Gigas, a flower that grows in the moist forests of the Andean Mountains, became the iconic orchid of Carchi due an administrative decision made by Governor Diego Landázuri, on November 20.

In 1978, an American botanist named this amazing and unique orchid as gigas (a term of Latin origin which means giant monster), referring to the large size of its plant and flower, which has variations in its color. The most common colors of the orchid´s flower are red, yellow and white.

By declaring the Dracula Gigas as iconic orchid of Carchi province, Ecuador seeks to strengthen the promotion and development of ecotourism. It also aims to encourage people to take care of this important natural heritage.

In December 5 2013, Ecuador was officially declared the country of orchids by Executive Decree No. 172; the country has four of the five subfamilies of orchids existing worldwide, totaling 4,032 recognized species, of which 1,714 are endemic. In addition, there are 400 species that are still under study.

Due to its unimaginable biodiversity and natural heritage, Ecuador attracts thousands of tourists who enjoy visiting the country that has the largest number of orchid on the planet.

VGT