cattleya elongata

This Cattleya orchid resembles C. amethystoglossa both in size and in appearance. That means it is quite bulky and therefore unsuitable for small amateur collections . As a bearer of a genetic quality that is always welcome -namely long pseudobulbs-it is popular with orchid breeders. The long (up to 16 in/40 cm) flower spike bears 3-8 large flowers that are up to 3.2 in/8 cm in diameter. The three -lobe purple lipis surrounded with brownish-purple tepals that have wavy edges. In the wild, the species occurs in drier localities , and therefore it needs more light and air movement than is usual . It blooms in the spring, and it was discovered in Brazil , for example in Minas Gerais and Bahia.