Smithsonian Gardens

Common name: The Long Petaled Maxillaria, The Three Strapped Maxillaria

Family: Orchidaceae subfam. Epidendroideae (Orchid)

Synonym: Lycaste longipetala, Maxillaria triloris

Distribution: Peru (Huanuco)

Habitat: Wet, montane cloud forests; 2625-5900ft (800-1800m)

Life form: Epiphytic

Bloom Time (northern hemisphere): December to March

Bloom characteristics: Erect inflorescence is up to 5" (12.5 cm) long with a single, waxy flower with a white center turning into yellow petals. Flower is 4.4" (11.25 cm) across.

Fragrance: Spiced

Description: This medium to large sized orchid can be a confusing plant, as there was another orchid that once had the same name. After close examination of the original plants collected though, it was decided that the other orchid was actually Maxillaria rodriguesii from Brazil, rather than the orchid here, which is from Peru.