Smithsonian Gardens

Common name: The Dark-Brown Catasetum

Family: Orchidaceae subfam. Epidendroideae (Orchid)

Distribution: SE Ecuador to Peru and Brazil (Pará)

Habitat: Wet mountain forests; 900-1500m

Life form: Epiphytic

Bloom Time (northern hemisphere): March to October; peaks in April to June

Bloom characteristics: Arching inflorescence is up to 11" long with 3-5 female flowers, or 11-17 male flowers. Female flowers are green-red and male flowers are dark brown to purple with a yellow-green lip. Flowers are 1.25" across.

Fragrance: Citrus

Foliage characteristics: Deciduous

Pollination syndrome: Bee (Euglossa sp.)

Description: This is a highly sought-after Catasetum which is grown mostly for its male flowers, which can range from brown to black with a very pale, contrasting lip. The capped female flowers are also quite interesting, with the type of flower the plant grows depending mostly on light conditions.