Colombia-s Autonomous University of the Occident won approval from environmental authorities to create a botanical garden in the city of Cali, where academics will protect endangered plant species and teach courses in botany. Among the plants to be preserved in the new Cali garden are the mahogany tree; the 'azulito,' which is native to the western region; the Cyrtopodium orchid, a rarity of the tropical arid forest; and the 'caucano' lily, also native to western Colombia.

The botanical conservation project is to operate with backing from other academic and state institutions and private companies.