In line with the common name, the genus' name is from the Greek word peristerion meaning "from dove".

In nature, it is found across much of South America as well as in Panama, Costa Rica and Trinidad.

[1] Peristeria elata is the national flower of Panama and is extremely over-collected in its native habitat.

This over collection has led to its status as a species threatened with extinction delineated in Appendix I of CITES.

In the fall, after the trees in the hardwood forest lose their leaves, the plants are exposed to full sun throughout the cool, dry winter.