Vivi's Orchid Corner

October 2003 - Volume 8, Issue 10

"Laelia harpophylla"

Dear Orchid Friends:

I attended the 15th World Orchid Conference (WOC) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil during September and October 1996. This month I am again focusing on some Brazilian beauties in tribute to that WOC.

Brazil is host to a variety of lovely laelias, and the Laelia harpophylla is such a flower. This distinctive orange flower has a unique shape.

Petals and sepals are elliptical or tapered and are clearly separated and distinct from the other petals. It's characteristic long lip curves downward with wavy edges. The lower sepals curve outward and down - forming a curve around the lip. Laelia harpophylla produces approximately 8-10 flowers per spike. Laelia harpophylla generally blooms January - March (southern hemisphere, their summer), however, there were several plants in bloom during the month of October at the WOC in Rio de Janiero.

Pseudobulbs are thinner terete shaped - most unusual for a Laelia. Because Laelia harpophylla are epiphytes, this orchid grows on rocks and humid areas only 500-900 meters above sea level. This species adapts to cool to intermediate environments and prefers less watering in the winter. Laelia harpophylla is found in the states of Minas Gerais and Espiritu Santo.

This species is used in hybridization and many of the hybrid flowers have a pinkish hue.

Enjoy viewing the photo of Laelia harpophylla...its gorgeous orange color reminds me of autumn.

Vivi