Cischweinfia
Cischweinfia
Cischweinfia is a genus of eleven recognized orchid species belonging to the Orchidaceae family. These orchids are native to Central America and northwestern South America. The genus was named in honor of the Harvard orchidologist Charles Schweinfurth.
Key Facts
- ›The genus Cischweinfia comprises eleven currently recognized species.
- ›All species within this genus are native to Central America and northwestern South America.
- ›The genus was named after Charles Schweinfurth, an orchidologist from Harvard.
- ›Species are found in countries such as Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica, Peru, and Bolivia.
- ›Cischweinfia nana is a species found specifically in Panama.
About Cischweinfia
Cischweinfia is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the orchid family, Orchidaceae. This genus encompasses eleven currently recognized species, all of which are native to the geographical areas of Central America and northwestern South America. The genus name itself serves as an homage to Charles Schweinfurth, a distinguished orchidologist affiliated with Harvard University.
Distribution and Species
The native range of Cischweinfia orchids spans a wide region, with individual species found in countries such as Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica, Peru, and Bolivia. Among the documented species are Cischweinfia colombiana, Cischweinfia dasyandra, Cischweinfia donrafae, Cischweinfia jarae, Cischweinfia nana, Cischweinfia parva, Cischweinfia platychila, Cischweinfia popowiana, Cischweinfia pusilla, Cischweinfia pygmaea, and Cischweinfia rostrata. Each species has a specific distribution, with some like Cischweinfia nana being endemic to Panama, while others, such as Cischweinfia parva, have a broader presence across multiple South American nations.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the genus Cischweinfia?
Cischweinfia is a genus of flowering plants in the orchid family, Orchidaceae. It includes eleven recognized species, all originating from Central America and northwestern South America.
Where are Cischweinfia orchids found naturally?
These orchids are naturally found across Central America and extending into northwestern South America. Countries where they occur include Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica, Peru, and Bolivia.
Who was Charles Schweinfurth and why is he significant to this genus?
Charles Schweinfurth was a notable orchidologist associated with Harvard University. The genus Cischweinfia was named in his honor, recognizing his contributions to the study of orchids.
How many species are recognized in the genus Cischweinfia?
There are currently eleven species that are officially recognized within the Cischweinfia genus. Each of these species has specific geographical distributions within their native regions.
Related Orchid species

Benzingia
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Draconanthes
Draconanthes is a genus of orchids native to northwestern South America, currently comprising ten recognized species. Originally established as a subgenus within the genus Lepanthes, it is now considered a distinct, accepted genus within the Pleurothallidinae subtribe. Its taxonomic relationship to Lepanthes highlights its importance in the study of Neotropical orchid diversity.
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