Smithsonian Gardens

Common name: Crisped Cattleya, Crisped Laelia

Family: Orchidaceae subfam. Epidendroideae (Orchid)

Synonym: Laelia crispa

Distribution: SE Brazil

Habitat: Upper branches of tall trees; 800-3750m

Life form: Epiphytic

Bloom characteristics: Inflorescence is up to 12" long with 4-10 long-lasting white flowers with a purple to pink lip. Flowers are 4-6" across.

Fragrance: Fragrant

Pollination syndrome: Self pollinated

Description: The Crisped Cattleya is named for its petals which curl back along their length, giving the impression of a flower with narrow petals. In the 1800s, it was one of the most popular orchids in Europe, due to its beauty, being relatively easy to find and import, and its free-flowering, easy to grow nature. It was taken from the wilds of Rio de Janeiro en mass to supply demand. This Cattleya remained hugely popular until the early 1900s, when more round-shaped flowers became popular among orchid enthusiasts. Although C. crispa has gone through several name changes over time, getting shuffled back and forth between several genera, it is now back to its original genus as a Cattleya.