Taxon

Cattleya tenebrosa

 
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Cattleya tenebrosa - Dark Cattleya, Dark Laelia
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Common name: Dark Cattleya, Dark Laelia
Family: Orchidaceae subfam. Epidendroideae (Orchid)
Synonym: Laelia tenebrosa, Sophronitis tenebrosa
Distribution: Brazil (SE Bahia to Espírito Santo)
Habitat: Dense forest
Life form: Epiphytic
Bloom Time (northern hemisphere): May to July
Bloom characteristics: Inflorescence is 12" long with 2-3 copper colored flowers with a purple to pink lip, that last about 2 weeks. Flowers are up to 7" across.
Fragrance: Spicy
Foliage characteristics: Unifoliate
Pollination syndrome: Probably bee
Description: The Dark Cattleya takes its name from the mysterious qualities of darkness, more than its color. Never a common orchid, it is nearly wiped out in its native habitat from the desires of collectors and habitat loss. C. tenebrosa can vary in color, but seems to have a luminous quality in all of its variations.
Links: American Orchid Society • Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia • Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families • Orchid Culture

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