lemboglossum-bictoniense

Many orchid lovers know the representatives of the genus Lemboglossum by their old name of Odontoglossum,even though this ''classic '' genus was divided as far back as 1984. One way or another ,if an orchid fan comes across a collection including a Lemboglossum specimen in bloom ,he or she will speak with great respect not only for the plants of this species ,but also for their successful growers. Little wonder ,since the singularly beautiful Lemboglossum orchids are unfortunately also difficult to cultivate .L.bictoniense is the least demanding of the lot and is sometimes grown for cut flowers . The apex of its egg-shaped pseudobulbs that reach lengths of up to 4.8 in/ 12 cm gives rise to a couple of narrow leaves that are up to 16 in / 40 cm long . The flower spike is formed at the base of the pseudobulb and is sparsly covered with numorous flowers. The flowers are fairly small( 1.2 -1.6 in/ 3-4 cm) ;thier narrow and long tepals are yellowish green and covered with dark spots. The lip is mauve. The flowers appear between December and May . The plant has been discovered in Mexico ,Guatemala and Salvador.