Taxon

Vitekorchis excavata

Vitekorchis excavata - Atahualpa's Golden Orchid, The Hollow Oncidium, The Hollow Vitekorchis
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Common name: Atahualpa's Golden Orchid, The Hollow Oncidium, The Hollow Vitekorchis
Family: Orchidaceae subfam. Epidendroideae (Orchid)
Synonym: Oncidium excavatum
Distribution: Colombia to Peru
Habitat: Moist montane forests; 7875-9185ft (2400-2800m)
Life form: Terrestrial
Bloom Time (northern hemisphere): July to April; peaks from October to December
Bloom characteristics: Erect inflorescence is 24-56" (60-150 cm) long with more than 100 successively opening yellow flowers with red-brown bars. Flowers are 1.5" (3.75 cm) across.
Plant size: 25-50" x 20-30" (64-127 x 51-76 cm), excluding inflorescence
Description: This large orchid takes one of its common names, the Hollow Vitekorchis, from the deep pit at the base of the underside of the flower’s lip. It takes another of its common names, Atahualpa's Golden Orchid, from the name of the last Incan king, over who’s land the orchid grows natively.
Links: Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia • Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families

Locations

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