The Flower and Plants of Machu Picchu

Conservation of the Plants of Machu Picchu

While admiring Machu Picchu’s lush greenery, it’s also important to remember that this is its’ home, not yours! We’re committed to keeping our area beautiful, but we need your help too. Following Leave No Trace principles ensures these species and their habitats will be around to admire for years to come. Make sure you stay on established trails and leave the area the same or better than you found it – that means zero trash. Our excellent guides will answer any questions you may have, but if you want to brush up on the best way to leave an environment intact before your trip, check out the Leave No Trace site.

Wildflowers of Machu Picchu

(Macchu Picchu is home to over 3,000 species of orchid alone, so we created an entire post dedicated to them. Check it out here.)

Abutilon

This flower is also known as the Chinese lantern, and it’s not hard to see why! The bell shaped flower is typically yellowish orange with deep red veins adorning the petals. They are also known for being somewhat easy to take care of in a domestic garden, if you want to bring some Peruvian beauty to your home!.

Arum Italicum

Photo credit: Adrian Thomas

This flower is related to the infamous Corpse Flower, but this type of arum is significantly less stinky! You should still keep your distance, however, as the oils can irritate skin. The flower is white and hood-like in bloom and eventually turns into a spiked cluster of red/orange berries. This bloom is native to the Mediterranean region, but it has become plentiful in Peru as well.

Fuchsia Boliviana

Photo credit: Sally McCrae Kuyper

You will see this plant in abundance as you meander along the Inca trail. That’s because the relationship between fuchsia plants and humans date back to the time of the Incas themselves! You can still see the plants on the terraces of Machu Picchu, as they were cultivated for berries. There are even images of the red-colored hanging flowers on ancient pottery!

Mirabilis Jalapa

Photo credit: Maria Mosolova

Also known as the Four O’Clock flower or Marvel of Peru, this flower comes in many different colors. Its tubal petals open in the early evening (hence its common nickname) and then close in the morning.

Trees of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu Bamboo

Photo credit: Bamboo Garden

The scientific name for this plant is Chusquea Delicatula, after its delicate texture, leaves, and long slender stocks. It is rare, found mostly draping down the walls of Machu Picchu. The stocks can grow up to 12 feet long. Unfortunately the bamboo is endangered as deforestation continues.

Queñual Tree

Photo Credit: Cusco Eats

Commonly called the “Tourist Tree,” the queñual is known for its twisted trunk and dark red bark, which can peel almost like paper. The layers of this bark keep the tree protected from low alpine temperatures, and in turn enrich the soil the bark falls on. Found on the high slopes of the Andes, the queñual is also in the endangered category.

Cinchona Tree

Photo credit: Britannica

This is the national tree of Peru – in fact, it is even on our flag! It is an evergreen with small, white tubular flowers. The bark has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, most notably for treating Malaria.

Huarango

Photo Credit: Huarango Nature

This tree is thought to have the deepest roots in the world, reaching up to 70 meters deep. These long roots bring water up to the surface for itself and the surrounding plants. The fruit of the tree, called huaranga, is highly nutritious. Historians even believe that pre-columbian civilizations survived almost exclusively on the fruit during times of drought.

Herbs/Edible Plants of Machu Picchu

(Disclaimer: this post is INFORMATIONAL only. Do not consume any plants from the forest during your trek.)

Arrowleaf Elephant Ear

Photo Credit: Maria Mosolova

The leaves of an arrowleaf elephant ear can grow to three feet long, so it is often used in reforestation efforts to protect early growth and keep weeds in check. The corm, or bulb, is similar to small potatoes and are still harvested and used in peruvian cuisine.

Hierba Luisa

Photo Credit: Manuel-Martin-Vicente

When in bloom, this plant has small clusters of purple or white flowers. Historically, the plant was brought back to Europe in the 17th century and cultivated for oil. Also called Lemon Beebush after its citric taste, its leaves are used in a variety of ways: dried for teas, added to dishes for flavor, or turned into essential oil.

Andean Silver-Leaf Sage

Photo Credit: Garden.org

During its bloom, the Andean silver-leaf sage’s deep purple-black flowers contrast spectacularly with its silver-hued leaves. The plant releases a pleasant fragrance when brushed against, and is considered one of the best plants for hummingbirds to eat from. It is used as a herb to flavor meats and stews. It is also thought to bring health, longevity, wisdom, esteem, wishes, a happy home and safety for children.

Muña

Photo Credit: Cusco Eats

A distant relative to mint, muña is a plant that grows throughout the highlands of Cuzco. It is high in calcium, iron, and phosphorus, making it a staple of traditional medicine for strong bones as well as boosting the immune system and even helping ease altitude sickness. It holds up well against the alpine temperatures and stays green year-round.

It’s no question that you will get to enjoy viewing a plethora of lush greenery on any of our treks – and this list only scratches the surface of species that inhabit the Andean cloud forests! But with just a little bit of extra preparation, you’ll be able to identify them as well. If you capture any stellar photos you want to show off, we’d love to see them! Tag us on social media @ Alpaca Expeditions. Want to stay up to date on all things Machu Picchu and Alpaca Expeditions? Sign up for our e-mail list here.