Smithsonian Gardens

Common name: Russell's Clowesia

Family: Orchidaceae (Orchid)

Synonym: Catasetum russellianum

Distribution: S Mexico to N Venezuela

Habitat: Dry, open forests; 600-1000m

Life form: Epiphytic

Bloom Time (northern hemisphere): June to November; peaks in August and September

Bloom characteristics: Pendulous inflorescence is 15" long with 10-20 fleshy green flowers (but up to 100 have been reported). Flower is 2.5" across.

Fragrance: Lemon, sweet

Pollination syndrome: Bee (Eulaema cingulata)

Foliage characteristics: Deciduous

Description: The genus Clowesia was originally included under Catasetum, but was separated out due to the fact that members of this genus have perfect flowers – flowers with both male and female parts within the same flower – while Catasetum do not. C. russelliana is named for an English Duke and orchid enthusiast of the 1800s, and has heavy, green-lined flowers.