The Arias lab at UDLA Version 2026 

Our lab aims to understand the evolution and spectacular diversity of Neotropical orchids mostly focusing in Epiphytes. We are broadly interested in comparative biology and work in between basic sciences and conservation biology approaches focusing on two main areas: 

(1) Orchid diversity, including genetic and taxonomic diversity and  

(2) Orchid conservation, sustainable horticulture development and community sciences

To answer questions in these areas we borrow modern molecular and bioinformatic tools developed from fields such:  the “-omics", phylogenetics, population genetics and plant development.