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{{Image|Heterotaxis crassifolia.jpg|right|250px}}
{{Image|Tecun_Uman_statue-Quetzaltenango.jpg|right|250px}}


'''[[Heterotaxis]]''' is a genus of [[orchid]]s formed by a group of circa fourteen [[epiphytic]] neotropical species which previously were considered part of genus ''[[Maxillaria]]''. Most of the species are robust plants with shiny dark green [[leaf|leaves]] which presents a showy display making a very good first impression but that end disappointing because of their small [[flower]]s, usually yellow, which, because of their short [[inflorescence]]s, hide between the foliage and can hardly be seen. Although the species that belong to this genus are easy to identify as members of it, because several species are highly variable and some species are very similar to others, to differentiate them is hard. The limits between each species not seem well established, with few exceptions, thus the concept of some species sometimes overlap others. Among all ''Heterotaxis'' species, ''H. equitans'' is a favorite of orchid collectors because it has visible and showy white and dark blue-purple flowers; and ''H. valenzuelana'' is sometimes collected due to the uniqueness of their fan shaped foliage.
'''Tecum Umam''' was a legendary figure of [[Guatemala]]n and [[K'iche']] history. Despite a debate over his historical reality, Tecum Umam is at once a symbol of the state and a symbol of the peoples within the state. Whether in the candlelit ceremonies of ''sacerdotes Mayas'' or in the chambers of the national congress, Tecum Umam's presence is felt in nearly every niche of the daily life of the Guatemalan people. He is celebrated by poets and invoked in ritual and festival contexts throughout the highlands.  He has been raised to the status of national hero of Guatemala and commemorated on its currency. And he is known as the defender of the K'iche' people and a symbol of indigenous resistance because he refused to surrender to the Spanish conquest of his homeland.


''Heterotaxis'' are comparatively large and robust plants among orchids. According to their morphologic characteristics they can be split into two main groups, identifiable at the first glance, all bearing comparatively minute flowers growing from several or few inflorescences produced sequentially
The legend of Tecum Umam says that he commanded the thousands of K'iche' warriors who met the army of invading Spanish and indigenous warriors under [[Pedro de Alvarado]] on the plains of El Pinar in February of 1524.  In the midst of the fray, Tecum Umam and Alvarado met face to face, each with weapon in hand. Alvarado was mounted on a horse and clad in armor while Tecum Umam wore the feathers of his [[nagual]] (animal spirit counterpart), the [[Resplendent quetzal|quetzal]]. A battle ensued that claimed the life of the K'iche' hero.
from each leaf axil, almost any time of the year. As any species once subordinated to ''[[Maxillaria]]'' the inflorescences are lateral, they hardly are taller than the pseudobulb and often are very short, bearing just one flower. All species have small thick flowers, which frequently do not open entirely, ordinarily yellowish, but also orange or white, sometimes with purple-bluish, lilac or brown-red spots. A thickening or variable calli on the center of the lip are common, sometimes covered by waxy glandular [[trichome]]s that attract [[pollinator]]s, mostly meliponine bees. Their [[column]] is very short and the fruits show lateral dehiscence. ('''''[[Heterotaxis|Read more...]]''''')
 
Taking to the sky in the form of an eagle, Tecum Umam struck down Alvarado's horse believing man and animal to be one and the same.  He realized his error and turned for a second attack but Alvarado's spear pierced his opponent's chest and Tecum Umam fell to the ground dead. Then a quetzal landed on the fallen hero's chest, staining its breast feathers red with blood; the bright colors of the quetzal continue to remind us today of the great deeds of Tecum Umam.

Revision as of 11:20, 21 May 2011

© Photo: Marco Palma

Tecum Umam was a legendary figure of Guatemalan and K'iche' history. Despite a debate over his historical reality, Tecum Umam is at once a symbol of the state and a symbol of the peoples within the state. Whether in the candlelit ceremonies of sacerdotes Mayas or in the chambers of the national congress, Tecum Umam's presence is felt in nearly every niche of the daily life of the Guatemalan people. He is celebrated by poets and invoked in ritual and festival contexts throughout the highlands. He has been raised to the status of national hero of Guatemala and commemorated on its currency. And he is known as the defender of the K'iche' people and a symbol of indigenous resistance because he refused to surrender to the Spanish conquest of his homeland.

The legend of Tecum Umam says that he commanded the thousands of K'iche' warriors who met the army of invading Spanish and indigenous warriors under Pedro de Alvarado on the plains of El Pinar in February of 1524. In the midst of the fray, Tecum Umam and Alvarado met face to face, each with weapon in hand. Alvarado was mounted on a horse and clad in armor while Tecum Umam wore the feathers of his nagual (animal spirit counterpart), the quetzal. A battle ensued that claimed the life of the K'iche' hero.

Taking to the sky in the form of an eagle, Tecum Umam struck down Alvarado's horse believing man and animal to be one and the same. He realized his error and turned for a second attack but Alvarado's spear pierced his opponent's chest and Tecum Umam fell to the ground dead. Then a quetzal landed on the fallen hero's chest, staining its breast feathers red with blood; the bright colors of the quetzal continue to remind us today of the great deeds of Tecum Umam.

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