@Btccuba 4 February 2021 more from that month

The butterfly In Cuba it has been very common since the 19th century in gardens and patios, and also as a naturalized species in wild places with humid soils, such as on the banks of streams or rivers. It is highly appreciated since colonial times by women, who then adorned and perfumed themselves with its flowers. They are widely used for bridal bouquets. Such is its popularity that in 1936 it was declared the National Flower of Cuba by a commission of botanists and gardeners. This seems surprising because the butterfly is not indigenous to Cuba. But they, to choose it, took into account not only its great popularity, but also that during the independence wars, its intricate bouquets served as a hiding place for patriotic women to transport important clandestine messages. In Buenos Aires it was planted in an International Garden to represent Cuba, along with the national flowers of other countries.