More than two hundred species of orchids are endemic to Cuba, particularly Pinar del Río, the far western end of the island where any remaining patch of forest features them boldly. Although my extremely brown thumb has never managed to grow orchids from a pot or even the sides of trees, as my comadre Dianek does, many Cubans do so successfully and easily. Backyard gardens can be filled with home-grown orchids as well as the many species of other island flowers that attract bees, Cuba’s tiny hummingbird and, of course, human admirers. Puerta de Golpe, Pinar del Río, March 2013.
