• Submitted by: lena campos
• Havana
• 05 / 08 / 2013

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Hundreds of species of flowers and bonsai are exhibited by Cuban institutions and collectors at the opening of the 3rd National Orchid Festival which is being held here from today until next Saturday.

The Show and Competition "Live Plants", name of the exhibit, will run throughout the festival and will include an awards ceremony in the categories of exotic plants, Cuban, best set and popularity, said Jennifer Martinez, a member of the organizing committee.

"The stands of orchids are the most important and attractive, but there are also stands of bonsai, natural products, mixed ornamental plants, cactus and other" Martinez told Prensa Latina, referring to the exhibition.

Popular workshops, lectures, guided tours and photo exhibitions are some of the activities announced on the event program.

There are about 25 000 species of orchids worldwide. About 300 species live in Cuba and some are endangered due to intensive collection and habitat loss.

The Third Festival is sponsored by the Office of the Historian of Havana, the National Botanic Garden, the Soroa Orchid Garden and the National Council of Protected Areas.

Source. Prensa Latina