Challen Willemsen
@challenguate.bsky.social
Nature tour guide, orchid speaker, and ecologist from Guatemala sharing botanical gems. Member, IUCN SSC: Orchid Specialist Group. Photos my own.
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Hello! I'm a Guatemalan ecologist passionate about botany. I lead nature tours, give presentations on Guatemalan orchids to international orchid societies, and put together lists of flora for reserves & parks. I also try to raise awareness of the importance of native species. 🌿
The Unicolored Jay (Aphelocoma unicolor) is a quiet, deep blue jay of Central America’s mountain forests. Social and intelligent, it forages in family groups and helps disperse seeds. 🐦 #Aphelocoma #Corvidae #Guatemala #cloudforest #birdwatching #birds #jay #wildlife #fauna
May 3, 2025 at 4:01 PM
The Unicolored Jay (Aphelocoma unicolor) is a quiet, deep blue jay of Central America’s mountain forests. Social and intelligent, it forages in family groups and helps disperse seeds. 🐦 #Aphelocoma #Corvidae #Guatemala #cloudforest #birdwatching #birds #jay #wildlife #fauna
Maianthemum paniculatum grows in montane forests from Mexico to Panama. It bears white or pinkish flowers in large panicles and bright red fruits. Though usually terrestrial, it can be epiphytic, and may reach up to 2 meters tall.
#Maianthemum #Asparagaceae #Guatemala #cloudforest #flowers #botany
#Maianthemum #Asparagaceae #Guatemala #cloudforest #flowers #botany
May 2, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Maianthemum paniculatum grows in montane forests from Mexico to Panama. It bears white or pinkish flowers in large panicles and bright red fruits. Though usually terrestrial, it can be epiphytic, and may reach up to 2 meters tall.
#Maianthemum #Asparagaceae #Guatemala #cloudforest #flowers #botany
#Maianthemum #Asparagaceae #Guatemala #cloudforest #flowers #botany
Geonoma undata is a native palm of Central America’s cloud forests, with slender stems, wavy-margined leaves, and edible heart of palm. It grows quietly in the understory of montane forests, producing recurved spadices between two spathes. #Geonoma #Arecaceae #Guatemala #cloudforest #palms #botany
May 1, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Geonoma undata is a native palm of Central America’s cloud forests, with slender stems, wavy-margined leaves, and edible heart of palm. It grows quietly in the understory of montane forests, producing recurved spadices between two spathes. #Geonoma #Arecaceae #Guatemala #cloudforest #palms #botany
Trichosalpinx memor is a miniature epiphytic orchid found in Guatemala’s evergreen cloud forests. Native from Mexico to Bolivia and the Caribbean, it clings to mossy branches and blooms with tiny, delicate flowers. #Guatemala #orchids #Trichosalpinx #Orchidaceae
April 30, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Trichosalpinx memor is a miniature epiphytic orchid found in Guatemala’s evergreen cloud forests. Native from Mexico to Bolivia and the Caribbean, it clings to mossy branches and blooms with tiny, delicate flowers. #Guatemala #orchids #Trichosalpinx #Orchidaceae
Melampodium divaricatum is the most common species of its genus in Mesoamerica. Native from Mexico to Brazil, it spreads easily, even rooting at the nodes. In Guatemala, it grows wild and is used traditionally to treat swollen eyelids. #Guatemala #plants #Melampodium #Asteraceae
April 29, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Melampodium divaricatum is the most common species of its genus in Mesoamerica. Native from Mexico to Brazil, it spreads easily, even rooting at the nodes. In Guatemala, it grows wild and is used traditionally to treat swollen eyelids. #Guatemala #plants #Melampodium #Asteraceae
In Guatemala City, an acorn woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) was spotted storing an acorn in a Tillandsia! Known for stashing food in trees, this one got creative—using an epiphyte as a pantry. Urban wildlife at its smartest. 🌿🪶 #Guatemala #birds #Melanerpes #Picidae
April 28, 2025 at 4:06 PM
In Guatemala City, an acorn woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) was spotted storing an acorn in a Tillandsia! Known for stashing food in trees, this one got creative—using an epiphyte as a pantry. Urban wildlife at its smartest. 🌿🪶 #Guatemala #birds #Melanerpes #Picidae
#nowreading “Somewhere Beyond the Sea” by TJ Klune
April 28, 2025 at 1:55 AM
#nowreading “Somewhere Beyond the Sea” by TJ Klune
Helichrysum petiolare, or licorice plant, is native to southern Africa but grown in Guatemalan gardens for its silvery, velvety leaves. Drought-tolerant and trailing, it’s perfect for sunny borders and baskets. #Guatemala #plants #Helichrysum #Asteraceae
April 27, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Helichrysum petiolare, or licorice plant, is native to southern Africa but grown in Guatemalan gardens for its silvery, velvety leaves. Drought-tolerant and trailing, it’s perfect for sunny borders and baskets. #Guatemala #plants #Helichrysum #Asteraceae
Pilea cadierei, or aluminum plant, is native to Asia but often grown in Guatemalan gardens. Its metallic-silver leaf markings make it a standout. Fast-growing and sting-free, it thrives in humid shade. #Guatemala #plants #Pilea #Urticaceae
April 26, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Pilea cadierei, or aluminum plant, is native to Asia but often grown in Guatemalan gardens. Its metallic-silver leaf markings make it a standout. Fast-growing and sting-free, it thrives in humid shade. #Guatemala #plants #Pilea #Urticaceae
Scaphyglottis lindeniana is an epiphytic orchid whose distribution ranges from Mexico to Bolivia and northern South America. In Guatemala, it grows in warm, humid forests. It stands out with large pseudobulbs and thick leaves—unusual for its genus. #Guatemala #orchids #Scaphyglottis #Orchidaceae
April 25, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Scaphyglottis lindeniana is an epiphytic orchid whose distribution ranges from Mexico to Bolivia and northern South America. In Guatemala, it grows in warm, humid forests. It stands out with large pseudobulbs and thick leaves—unusual for its genus. #Guatemala #orchids #Scaphyglottis #Orchidaceae
Salvia officinalis—common sage—is a Mediterranean herb with silvery leaves and violet-blue flowers. Used in cooking and traditional medicine, it also attracts pollinators and grows well in sunny Guatemalan gardens. #Guatemala #plants #Salvia #Lamiaceae
April 24, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Salvia officinalis—common sage—is a Mediterranean herb with silvery leaves and violet-blue flowers. Used in cooking and traditional medicine, it also attracts pollinators and grows well in sunny Guatemalan gardens. #Guatemala #plants #Salvia #Lamiaceae
Miconia xalapensis is Guatemala’s most common woody melastome, often dominating pastures and hillsides with pale leaves and pink blooms. Its blueberry-like fruits are eaten by birds, kids, and workers—and sometimes sold in markets. #Guatemala #plants #Miconia #Melastomataceae
April 23, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Miconia xalapensis is Guatemala’s most common woody melastome, often dominating pastures and hillsides with pale leaves and pink blooms. Its blueberry-like fruits are eaten by birds, kids, and workers—and sometimes sold in markets. #Guatemala #plants #Miconia #Melastomataceae
The white-winged dove (Zenaida asiatica) is known for its striking wing stripe and mournful coo. Common in Guatemala’s dry forests and cities, it plays a key role in seed dispersal. The species is native from the southwestern United States to northern South America. #Guatemala #birds #Columbidae
April 21, 2025 at 9:51 PM
The white-winged dove (Zenaida asiatica) is known for its striking wing stripe and mournful coo. Common in Guatemala’s dry forests and cities, it plays a key role in seed dispersal. The species is native from the southwestern United States to northern South America. #Guatemala #birds #Columbidae
Hello! I'm a Guatemalan ecologist passionate about botany. I lead nature tours, give presentations on Guatemalan orchids to international orchid societies, and put together lists of flora for reserves & parks. I also try to raise awareness of the importance of native species. 🌿
April 18, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Hello! I'm a Guatemalan ecologist passionate about botany. I lead nature tours, give presentations on Guatemalan orchids to international orchid societies, and put together lists of flora for reserves & parks. I also try to raise awareness of the importance of native species. 🌿
#ahoraleyendo “Yo que nunca supe de los hombres” de Jacqueline Harpman #nowreading
April 18, 2025 at 6:04 PM
#ahoraleyendo “Yo que nunca supe de los hombres” de Jacqueline Harpman #nowreading
😃
The ecologist, nature tour guide, and member of the IUCN Species Survival Commission - Orchid Specialist Group, Challen Willemsen moves to BlueSky (13.161 followers in X)
Bluesky: @challenguate.bsky.social
#BlueSkyWins
Bluesky: @challenguate.bsky.social
#BlueSkyWins
April 16, 2025 at 6:50 PM
😃
Dimorphotheca pluvialis, a daisy native to South Africa, has flowers that open in sunlight and close when cloudy or at night, protecting its reproductive parts. After rains, it blooms in vast swaths, creating stunning landscapes. 🌼
#Dimorphotheca #Asteraceae #wildflowers #SouthAfrica #flowers
#Dimorphotheca #Asteraceae #wildflowers #SouthAfrica #flowers
April 16, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Dimorphotheca pluvialis, a daisy native to South Africa, has flowers that open in sunlight and close when cloudy or at night, protecting its reproductive parts. After rains, it blooms in vast swaths, creating stunning landscapes. 🌼
#Dimorphotheca #Asteraceae #wildflowers #SouthAfrica #flowers
#Dimorphotheca #Asteraceae #wildflowers #SouthAfrica #flowers
Tillandsia seleriana is a striking air plant native from Mexico to Nicaragua. Its bulbous base stores water, while its silvery leaves absorb water. When it blooms, it reveals violet flowers on a vivid spike—a brief burst of color in the canopy. 🌿
#Tillandsia #Bromeliaceae #epiphyte #flora
#Tillandsia #Bromeliaceae #epiphyte #flora
April 15, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Tillandsia seleriana is a striking air plant native from Mexico to Nicaragua. Its bulbous base stores water, while its silvery leaves absorb water. When it blooms, it reveals violet flowers on a vivid spike—a brief burst of color in the canopy. 🌿
#Tillandsia #Bromeliaceae #epiphyte #flora
#Tillandsia #Bromeliaceae #epiphyte #flora
Phoenix roebelenii, the pygmy date palm, is native to the forests of Laos and Vietnam. It grows along rivers and in seasonally flooded areas, with fine, arching fronds and small fruits eaten by birds. It's a slow-growing species commonly planted in the tropics.
#Phoenix #Arecaceae #flora #palms
#Phoenix #Arecaceae #flora #palms
April 14, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Phoenix roebelenii, the pygmy date palm, is native to the forests of Laos and Vietnam. It grows along rivers and in seasonally flooded areas, with fine, arching fronds and small fruits eaten by birds. It's a slow-growing species commonly planted in the tropics.
#Phoenix #Arecaceae #flora #palms
#Phoenix #Arecaceae #flora #palms
Lycaste cruenta, a Central American orchid, is pollinated by euglossine bees that visit its fragrant yellow-green flowers to collect aromatic compounds—not nectar. In the process, they carry pollen from flower to flower in a delicate dance of coevolution.
#Lycaste #Orchidaceae #pollinators #flora
#Lycaste #Orchidaceae #pollinators #flora
April 13, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Lycaste cruenta, a Central American orchid, is pollinated by euglossine bees that visit its fragrant yellow-green flowers to collect aromatic compounds—not nectar. In the process, they carry pollen from flower to flower in a delicate dance of coevolution.
#Lycaste #Orchidaceae #pollinators #flora
#Lycaste #Orchidaceae #pollinators #flora
Monstera siltepecana is a vining aroid native to the humid forests of Mexico and Central America. It climbs trees using aerial roots, developing larger, fenestrated leaves as it matures. It is a striking presence in the tropical rainforest understory.
#Monstera #Araceae #tropicalplants #flora
#Monstera #Araceae #tropicalplants #flora
April 12, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Monstera siltepecana is a vining aroid native to the humid forests of Mexico and Central America. It climbs trees using aerial roots, developing larger, fenestrated leaves as it matures. It is a striking presence in the tropical rainforest understory.
#Monstera #Araceae #tropicalplants #flora
#Monstera #Araceae #tropicalplants #flora
Crassocephalum crepidioides is a fast-growing herb with orange flowers and edible leaves, used in traditional medicine and cuisine. Native to Africa, it now grows across the tropics, including Central America—but it can become invasive in disturbed areas.
#Crassocephalum #Asteraceae #plants #flora
#Crassocephalum #Asteraceae #plants #flora
April 11, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Crassocephalum crepidioides is a fast-growing herb with orange flowers and edible leaves, used in traditional medicine and cuisine. Native to Africa, it now grows across the tropics, including Central America—but it can become invasive in disturbed areas.
#Crassocephalum #Asteraceae #plants #flora
#Crassocephalum #Asteraceae #plants #flora
Nerium oleander is a beautiful but potentially deadly shrub with flowers in a range of colors. Native to the Mediterranean, it’s now common in warm regions worldwide. All parts are highly toxic—avoid planting it near pets or children!
#Nerium #Apocynaceae #plants #toxicplants #nature #flowers
#Nerium #Apocynaceae #plants #toxicplants #nature #flowers
April 10, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Nerium oleander is a beautiful but potentially deadly shrub with flowers in a range of colors. Native to the Mediterranean, it’s now common in warm regions worldwide. All parts are highly toxic—avoid planting it near pets or children!
#Nerium #Apocynaceae #plants #toxicplants #nature #flowers
#Nerium #Apocynaceae #plants #toxicplants #nature #flowers
Notylia barkeri is a tiny orchid with a drooping inflorescence of green-and-white flowers marked with orange. It grows as an epiphyte in dry to humid forests, swamps, and plantations in Mexico, Central America, and Brazil. #orchids #flora #Guatemala #Notylia #nature #orchidaceae #epiphytes #flowers
April 9, 2025 at 10:56 PM
Notylia barkeri is a tiny orchid with a drooping inflorescence of green-and-white flowers marked with orange. It grows as an epiphyte in dry to humid forests, swamps, and plantations in Mexico, Central America, and Brazil. #orchids #flora #Guatemala #Notylia #nature #orchidaceae #epiphytes #flowers