family today

Encyclia Cochleata

Oncidium chrysodipterum ‘Burnham’ is an example of a rare and unusual species, which would undoubtedly be extremely popular if only it were generally available. It would appear always to have been scarce, even in its native Colombia. There are no reports of this plant being shipped by the thousands to astonish and delight the earliest orchid growers. ‘There are no records of high prices being paid for the first specimen.

Indeed, this species was discovered very late in the nineteenth century, and was not seen in flower until 1891. To the best of our knowledge it has received little recognition from various authorities by way of awards. Neither has it been touched by the hybridists. The raising of the species from seed has also proved difficult.

There are very few hybrids within Encyclia which is still dominated by its species, many of which are extremely pretty, highly fragrant, or both, and certainly all worthy of being grown. They are mostly cool house orchids, which adapt well to indoor culture, as does this species. It is a native of South America where it grows as an epiphyte. Fortunately, along with others of its genus, it remains fairly common today. It also propagates easily from backbulbs and seems to relish living in cultivation.

This species is a high-altitude plant found growing epiphytically in the Andes. The few plants in cultivation succeed in a cool airy greenhouse with conditions as similar as possible to the homeland. Its specific name means literally ‘golden wings’ and refers to the two lateral petals which are golden yellow spotted with brown.

The most popular orchids are undoubtedly the more showy types. Although the number of these is huge, there are, nevertheless, far more species which are less showy and held to be of lesser interest to the average orchid grower.

As amongst the larger orchids there are those which mimic bees, butterflies and other insects, so in the miniature varieties can be found mimicry of the smaller insects, beetles, ants and so on. The genus Pleurothallis is typical of this. It is a large genus, often overlooked, but fascinating when the beautiful or sometimes bizarre minute flowers are examined.