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Species Orchid Society of
Western Australia (Inc)
An Introduction to the Genus Masdevallia
The Genus Masdevallia by
Ken Jones
Masdevallia is one of the most unique and diverse genera in the
orchidaceae family, often having striking flower colours in a multitude
of shapes and sizes. The genus was named in honour of an 18th century
Spanish botanist, Dr Don Jose´ de Masdevall, with the first recorded
species collected in 1779 by botanist Joseph Dombey and two pharmacists,
Hipálito Ruiz & Antonico Pavón and two artists sent
by Charles III of Spain to the new world forests of Peru and Chile.
The genus first appeared in Flora Peruviana et Chilensis Prodromus
in 1794 in a paper by Ruiz and Pavón with a drawing of Masdevallia
uniflora.
Masdevallia
uniflora
Photo
source:
Masdevallia uniflora Ruiz & Pavon 1798 SUBGENUS Masdevallia
SECTION Masdevallia SUBSECTION Masdevallia was published
in Systema Vegatabilium Florae Peruvianae et Chilensis as the type species
in 1798. Unfortunately, due to the capture of the ship carrying their
early notes, drawings etc. by England in 1779, and the loss at sea of
a 1785 ship carrying the majority of their collection of papers and
specimens, much of their work on this genus was lost . A fire at their
base camp also destroyed a part of their original collection.
Over the next 70-80 years, only a few more Masdevallia species
were discovered in Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador and Peru. These
included Masdevallia bonplandii, infracta, caudata, constricta, pumila,
floribunda, schlimii, buccanator, coriacea, cucullata, laevis, meleagris,
minuta and triangularis. Many of the more showy and spectacular
Masdevallia species now strongly influencing hybrid breeding
are more recent discoveries.
In the late 19th century, England and Europe were in the grip of the
orchid craze with wealthy collectors prepared to pay very large sums
of money for rare orchids. These plants were collected from the wild
by paid collectors and shipped back to Europe and England for sale,
often at outrageous prices. Many of the plants died after collection
before shipping, on the long sea voyages, or following sale to collectors
who had little idea about how to grow these exotic orchids. Early habitat
records indicate that in some instances the total known population of
a newly found Masdevallia species was removed to ensure that
no other nurseries were able to offer the same species for sale.
This genus is distinguished by large sepals that are fused at their
base to form a sepaline tube, that often obscures or hides the diminutive
petals and small labellum so that at first glance, this orchid does
not follow the standard feature of orchidaceae of a flower composed
of three petals and three sepals.The majority of Masdevallia
species are generally pleasantly fragrant although often light, although
those in section Coriaceae have a most unpleasant odour reminiscent
of rotting meat as they are pollinated by carrion flies. These should
be avoided unless you are tolerant of this characteristic.
Lankester Composite Dissection Plate (LCDP) of Masdevallia laucheana
J.Fraser.
Habit.
Flower.
Dissected perianth.
Column and lip, lateral view.
Column in ventral and lateral view.
Petals.
Lip.
Photograph by A. Karremans based on Karremans 5901 (JBL-spirit).
Where do these orchids come from?
Masdevallia species are found from Southern Mexico through Central
America to Southern Brazil and Bolivia. Their habitat is principally
cool cloud forests and alpine regions of the Andes and other higher
mountains, with some growing on the snowline. Some species occur at
lower elevations in warmer lowland habitats.
The geography of Central and South America creates many highly localised
microclimatic areas, and particular habitats for epiphytic orchids.
As an exotic species grower, having some understanding of these microhabitats
can be the difference between success and failure when growing these
species. Describing the range of climatic environments in beyond the
scope of this article, however it can be said that their diversity is
almost beyond comprehension. Therefore, I will focus on the common aspects
and those to which we need to pay attention if we want to grow the genus.
Culture of Masdevallia species orchids
The distinct features of Masdevallia orchid climate requirements
are that none come from Mediterranean climates such as we have in Perth.
They are all found in humid moist environments, in some cases mist or
cloud forests with minimal diurnal temperature variation. For convenience,
Gerritson and Parsons 2005 separate Masdevallia species into
three groups; cool-cold growing, intermediate and warm growing. They
published the following temperature guidelines:
Group Daytime temperature Night-time temperature
This table clearly demonstrates the minimal temperature range existing
in the natural habitats of the species in this genus, and that as novices
living in a hot summer Mediterranean climate, we should start with those
coming from lower altitudes identified as warm-growing. The coverage
of some of the species in this genus will start with those classified
as warm growing.
As noted earlier, relatively high year-round humidity and generous air
movement is required to successfully grow Masdevallia orchids.
This can be a significant challenge in Perth, although our orchid friends
in Albany benefit from cooler, more humid summers and are able to grow
and flower these orchids under shadecloth. In a similar vein, Gerritson
and Parsons note that San Francisco provides an excellent climate and
Masdevallia orchids can be grown and flowered in bush house conditions
as the sea fog often present in the morning and afternoon delivers the
high humidity required.
Many years ago while in the USA in 1995, we visited the Botanic Gardens
in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco specifically to see a collection
of Masdevallia orchids about which I had read an article. As
it turned out, the collection was in fact the private collection of
the then Garden Director of the Conservatory, Mr George Marcopoulos
and was not on public display. However, the ever resourceful Chris Jones
explained to staff that we had come to see orchids mentioned in the
article and were disappointed that there were so few in the public display
area. We were allowed access to a magnificent private collection of
high altitude Andean orchids including Masdevallia, Dracula and
Pleurothallis. The fibreglass roofed house in which they were housed
was very dark (due to dust on the outside of the roof), and there were
many oscillating fans that provided a very high level of air movement,
so much in fact that it was impossible to photograph in place the orchids
that were in flower. We asked and received permission to temporarily
remove the plants from the vertical racks to be able to hold them still
enough to take photos.
The majority of Masdevallia species grow in shaded habitats with
a maximum light intensity of 1,200 foot candles or 12,900 lux for 8
hours a day, about the same as Phalaenopsis. While some Masdevallia
species come from habitats with higher light intensity up to 3,500 foot
candles or 37,600 lux, they are in the minority and less common in collections.
Media suitable for growing Masdevallia orchids in pot culture
includes sphagnum moss, fine pinebark, coco-peat, perlite and blends
of these materials. If you are able to maintain the high humidity required,
tree fern or natural cork slab can be used, although plants grown this
way may require much more frequent watering than those in pots.
The majority of Masdevallia species grow in mist forest habitats
with abundant fresh water. For us as hobbyists, rainwater is essential
unless we have access to pure water from reverse osmosis. This genus
is particularly susceptible to the dissolved salts content often found
in in both the Perth local domestic or ground water supply, so if you
do not have access to high quality water, growing this genus might not
be for you. Masdevallia orchids will appreciate application of quarter
strength fertiliser once or twice a month when they are in active growth,
but care should be taken to water immediately before fertilising and
when watering generally to ensure that any residual salts are flushed
from the pot.
Masdevallia orchids are particularly susceptible to hard and
soft scale, mealy bug, mites, aphids, thrips and other sap-sucking insects.
As some of these insects are introduced by ants, care should be taken
to eliminate any ants that might be seen around your plants. Slugs and
snails also enjoy the soft leaves of this genus, and can ruin the flowers
that you and your orchid have worked hard to produce.
Masdevallia orchids are not immune to fungal, bacterial and viral
infection, however well managed culture will minimise this risk. Often,
Masdevallia orchid leaves will show tiny black spots that at
first sight appear to be fungal. However, as Clive Halls (Mr Beenak
Orchids) explained when presenting to members at the ISODW in Albany
in August 2019, these spots are often the result of environmental stress
such as excessive heat or cold, or periods of low humidity. Application
of a general purpose fungicide such as Mancozeb Plus, Ridomil Gold,
Eco-Fungicide or similar will deal with the majority of common fungal
pathogen infections, and therefore new leaves should be free of any
spotting. If they are not, further investigation is required.
Masdevallia orchids are not large, robust plants like for example
Cymbidium species, and do not have significant pseudobulbs, therefore
a grower needs to pay attention to culture to minimise opportunities
for adventitious fungal infection. Fungal infection can be the result
of overwatering and wet/soggy media and lack of air movement. Plants
weakened by consistently higher or lower than optimal temperature are
less resistant to fungal pathogens and more susceptible to infection.
Dead leaves should be removed promptly as they too are a source of infection.
Cleaning and sterilisation of the growing area and prophylactic application
of fungicide at season change can also assist in preventing the establishment
of fungal pathogens.
At this point, you might be wondering why bother trying to grow Masdevallia
orchids in Perth? The answer to this very fair and practical question
is that as species orchid growers, we are open to the challenges of
expanding our collections and growing orchids that require a bit more
effort than those that are simpler to grow and flower. After reading
about the challenges faced in growing this particular genus in Perth
with our hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters, if you do decide to
give it a go, I will try to indicate the species most likely to be successfully
cultivated in Perth. It also needs to be said that Masdevallia
hybrids are more vigorous and tolerant of our Perth climate.
There are more than 530 species in the genus, the majority of which
are highland rather than lowland. Masdevallia species vary in
vegetative form from miniature to more robust larger plants. This article
will focus on the latter and include a few of the more spectacular,
but perhaps more difficult to grow members.
Masdevallia amabilis Rchb.f & Warsc. 1854 SUBGENUS Masdevallia
SECTION Masdevallia SUBSECTION Coccineae Veitch 1889 can
be found in northern Peru at 2,000-3,500m as a mini to miniature sized
terrestrial or lithophytic, cold to warm growing orchid from cool montane
forests and on rocky slopes in intense sunlight. It has a short, inconspicuous
ramicaul (a stem bearing a single leaf) encased by 2 to 3 short, tubular
membraneous sheaths with erect, coriaceous, oblanceolate, acute, leaves
with a deep furrow down the centre. Flowering occurs in summer through
winter on apical, erect, reclining or horizontal, slender, terete, to
30cm inflorescences with two distant tubular bracts with crimson-red
to purple, white or orange flowers solitary flowers held way above the
leaves.
In situ photo source:
Flowering can be promoted by increasing the light levels to where the
leaves just slightly start to yellow. Its common name is the Lovely
Masdevallia, and synonyms include Masdevallia amabilis fma.
flammula (H.Mohr & Braas) O.Gruss & M.Wolff 2007; Masdevallia
amabilis var. lineata Linden & André 1875 Masdevallia
flammula H.Mohr & Braas 1984
Masdevallia andreettaeana Luer 1981 SUBGENUS Masdevallia
SECTION Masdevallia 
SUBSECTION
Oscillantes Luer 1986 is a mini-miniature sized warm to cool
growing epiphytic species is in southern Ecuador and northern Peru in
cloud forests at 1,600-2,100m. It has blackish, slender, erect ramicauls
enveloped by 2 to 3 loose, tubular sheaths with single, apical, erect,
coriaceous, elliptic, obtuse leaves with a blackish petiole (the stem
connecting the leaf to stalk). Flowering on erect to ascending, slender
3-3.5 cm single flowered inflorescences from low on the ramicaul
in autumn to early winter, the floral bract carries a long-lasting flower
at or just below leaf height. This plant can be grown on a mount so
as to display the beautiful flowers at their maximum. Its common name
is Andreetta's Masdevallia named after the Salesian missionary
and Orchid Collector in Ecuador (the founder of Ecuagenera Orchids).
This species is often incorrectly spelt as Masdevallia andreettaana
Masdevallia atahualpa Luer 1982 SUBGENUS Masdevallia SECTION
Coriaceae SUBSECTION Coriaceae [Rchb.f]Veitch 1889 is
a small sized, epiphytic, north western Peruvian species with stout,
erect 
to
suberect ramicauls enveloped basally by 2-3 loose, tubular sheaths each
with a single, apical, erect to suberect, thickly coriaceous, oblong,
obtuse leaf . Flowering in spring, a suberect, stout 3 to 4.5cm long,
single flowered inflorescence arises from low on the ramicaul with a
thin basal bract and a loose tubular floral bract holding a large, fleshy
flower at the base of the leaf blade.
In-situ
photo
source:
Masdevallia
ayabacana Luer. 1978 SUBGENUS Masdevallia SECTION Durae
Luer 2000 can be found in Peruvian, cool montane rain forest at 1,200-1,800m
as a caespitose (growing densely in tufts with short, closely packed
stems), miniature to small sized, warm to cool growing epiphyte. It
has 5-6 cm ramicauls enveloped by inflated, tubular sheaths with oblanceolate,
acute, shortly apiculate, variable in size, thickly coriaceous dark
green leaves. Flowering in spring through to autumn, flowers are borne
on 20-35cm, erect, 2 to 3 successive flowered inflorescences held way
above the leaves. The large, intense red-orange flower and the truncate
verrucose petals and a labellum distinguish this species from many other
members of the genus. Its common name is the Ayabaca Masdevallia
after a Peruvian town, and the synonym is Regalia ayabacana (Luer)
Luer 2006.
In a comment posted on Orchid Board by Marni Turkel, she noted that
she had waited too long to repot a large plant of Masdevallia ayabacana
and as a result its roots had died. It took a long time for some of
the divisions to grow new roots, while others did not and died. he reminds
growers not to make the same mistake.
Contd from April 2020
Masdevallia barlaeana Rchb. f. 1876 SUBGENUS Masdevallia SECTION Masdevallia SUBSECTION Coccineae Veitch 1889 is a miniature sized, caespitose, lithophytic cold growing species found on exposed, rocky slopes with grass and small shrubs in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru 2,200-3,100m. The ramicaul is basally enveloped by several, short, tubular sheaths and carries a single, apical, attenuate leaf. Flowering in summer and autumn takes place on a slender, erect 25 cm inflorescence with lanceolate, acuminate floral bracts half the length of the ovary that hold the single campanulate flower above the leaves. Its common name is Barla's Masdevallia named for an 1800’s Brazilian Orchid Enthusiast.
This species and Masdevallia amanda are closely allied and occur in some of the same habitats where there is a natural hybrid with the two as parents known as Masdevallia x splendida. Photo source:
Masdevallia buccinator Rchb.f. & Warsz. 1854 SUBGENUS Polyantha SECTION Alaticaules SUBSECTION Alaticaules {Krzl.] Luer 1986 can be found in Santander state, Colombia as a miniature sized, cold growing epiphyte in oak forests at 2,500- 2,600m. Stout, erect, basally ramicauls enveloped by 2-3 loose, tubular sheaths carry a single, apical, erect, subacute to obtuse leaf. Flowering in spring on 23 cm triquetrous (triangle – shaped) successively several flowered racemes, the inflorescence arises from the base of the ramicaul has tubular floral bracts that support up to two simultaneously opening flowers. The flowers are unique due to the unusually shaped sepaline tube with lateral sepals inflated above the middle with their anterior margins held closely together forming a deep, obtusely angled mentum. Its common name is the Horn Blower Masdevallia referring to the puffed outer lateral sepals, like the cheeks of a bugler.
The synonym is Alaticaulia buccinator
(Rchb.f. & Warsz.) Luer 2006. This species was considered lost for
132 years until rediscovered in a narrow gold mining valley in 1982.
Photo
source:
Masdevallia caesia Roezl 1883
SUBGENUS Masdevallia SECTION Coriaceae SUBSECTION Coriaceae
[Rchb.f]Veitch 1889 is one of the largest flowered members of genus
and can be found as a medium to large sized, pendant, cold to cool growing
and flowering epiphytic species in southwestern Colombian cloud forests
at 1,600-2,200 m. Stout descending ramicauls basally enveloped 2-3 loose,
tubular
sheaths carry single, apical, erect, coriaceous, suffused with bluish
purple, narrowly obovate, obtuse leaves gradually narrowed into the
base. Flowering takes place on descending 2.5-5 cm purple dotted single
flowered racemes arising from near the base of the ramicaul with a basal
bract and a tubular floral bract holding a large, 1223cm bad-smelling
flower amid the leaves.
Photo
source:(John Varigos photo)
Masdevallia cardiantha Königer
1980 SUBGENUS Masdevallia SECTION Masdevallia SUBSECTION
Caudatae Veitch 1889 comes from north-western Peru where it grows
as a miniature sized cold growing epiphyte at 2,100m. Slender, erect
ramicauls
basally enveloped by 2-3 tubular sheaths carry single, apical, erect,
coriaceous, narrowly elliptical, acute, narrowly cuneate leaves. Flowering
occurs in spring on a slender, erect, triquetrous, 10-11.5cm simultaneously
two- flowered inflorescence arising from low on the ramicaul with a
bract at the base and tubular, imbricating floral bracts. Its common
name is the Heart-Shaped Masdevallia, and the synonym is Alaticaulia
cardiantha (Königer) Luer 2006
Masdevallia cinnamomea Rchb.f.
1855 SUBGENUS Polyantha SECTION Alaticaules SUBSECTION
Alaticaules [Krzl.] Luer 1986 occurs as small sized, cold growing
epiphyte in northern Peru at 2,400-2,500m The erect, stout, 2.5-5 cm
ramicauls basally enveloped by 2-3 close, tubular sheaths carry single,
apical, erect, coriaceous, narrowly elliptical, acute, gradually narrowing
leaves. Flowering takes place in summer and autumn on slender, erect,
triquetrous, simultaneously 2-3 flowered, congested, inflorescences
arising from low on the ramicaul with a bract at the base and tubular,
imbricating floral bracts. Its common name is the Cinnamon-Coloured
Masdevallia, and the synonym is Alaticaulia cinnamomea
(Rchb.f.) Luer 2006
Masdevallia citrinella Luer & Malo 1981 SUBGENUS Masdevallia SECTION Masdevallia SUBSECTION Oscillantes Luer 1986 is a mini-miniature sized, cool to cold growing Ecuadorian and Peruvian epiphytic species that inhabits cloud forests at 1,500-2,400m. It has slender ramicauls basally enveloped by 2-3 thin, white sheaths with a single, apical, erect, coriaceous, elliptical, acute leaf. Flowering occurs on an ascending to horizontal, lax to pendant 3-8cm single flowered inflorescence arising from low on the ramicaul with a thin tubular floral bract carrying a 3cm flower with a tiny oscillating labellum below the leaves. Its common name is the Citrine Coloured Masdevallia
Photo
source:
In
situ photo source:
Masdevallia coccinea Linden ex Lindl. 1846 SUBGENUS Masdevallia
SECTION Masdevallia SUBSECTION Coccineae Veitch 1889 is
perhaps the best known member of the genus. It can be found in Colombia
and Peru as a small-medium sized, cool-cold growing terrestrial on the
sides of rocky cliffs at 2,400-3,000m Short ramicauls are enveloped
by close tubular sheaths and carry a single, apical rounded and minutely
tridentate leaf. Flowering in late spring and early summer occurs on
a slender, 30cm, slightly flexuous, single flowered, inflorescence with
a spotted bract at each node and waxy, variable sized 3.5-7.5cm flowers
held higher than the leaves. Many different colour forms exist of this
species including bright red, pink, yellow, orange, and pure white,
and as a consequence, it has been widely used in hybridising. While
in the mid-late 1800s, it was heavily over- collected as one of the
most prized new world orchids, surprisingly, locally abundant wild populations
remain in the Eastern Corderilla of Colombia. Its common name is the
Scarlet
Masdevallia, and many synonyms include Masdevallia coccinea
var. harryana (Rchb.f.) A.H.Kent 1889; Masdevallia denisoniana
T.Moore 1874; Masdevallia denisonii Dombrain 1872; Masdevallia
harryana Rchb. f. 1871; Masdevallia harryana var. atrosanguinea
B.S.Williams & T.Moore 1884; Masdevallia harryana var.
decora B.S.Williams 1889; Masdevallia harryana var. miniata
B.S.Williams & T.Moore 1884; Masdevallia lindenii André
1870; Masdevallia lindenii var. grandiflora L.Linden &
Rodigas 1885; Masdevallia lindenii var. harryana (Rchb.f.)
André 1873; Masdevallia militaris Rchb.f 1854; Masdevallia
venusta Schltr. 1921 Photo
source:
WOC 2017 Photo source: Chris and Tony
Masdevallia colossus Luer 1978 SUBGENUS Masdevallia SECTION Coriaceae SUBSECTION Coriaceae [Rchb.f]Veitch 1889 can be found in Peru and Ecuador as a vegetatively small sized, cold growing cloud forest epiphyte at 2,000-2,500m. Stout, erect to suberect ramicauls are basally enveloped by 2 to 3 loose, tubular sheaths that carry a single, apical, erect, coriaceous, elliptical, obtuse to rounded leaf . Flowering in autumn and winter occurs on a slender, suberect, 4-11cm single flowered inflorescence arising from low on the ramicaul, with a bract near the base and a tubular floral bract. The fleshy, large 20-24 cm malodorous flower is held at mid-leaf. Its common name is the Gigantic Masdevallia, and the synonym is Byrsella colossus (Luer) Luer 2006
Photo source: Chris & Tony
Masdevallia constricta Poepp.& Endl. 1837 SUBGENUS Masdevallia
SECTION Masdevallia SUBSECTION Saltatrices [Rchb.f] Luer
1986 is a miniature caespitose epiphytic species from Ecuador and Peru
where it can be found in wet montane forests on old trees. This species
is one of those more tolerant of warm-cool conditions as it is found
at 1,200-1,800m. Short, inconspicuous ramicauls are hidden by basal,
tubular, overlapping bracts with a single, apical, erect, coriaceous,
oblong-oblanceolate base leaf. Flowering in autumn-winter, the slender,
suberect 8cm single flowered inflorescence arises from low on the ramicaul
with a bract above the base and a floral bract holding the flower just
above the leaves. A major distinguishing feature of this species is
the constricted floral tube.
Its
common name is the Constricted Masdevallia referring to the elongate
compressed sepaline tube. The synonym is Masdevallia urosalpinx
Luer 1979
Masdevallia davisii Rchb. f.
1874 SUBGENUS Masdevallia SECTION Masdevallia SUBSECTION
Coccineae Veitch 1889 is a miniature to small sized, cold growing
terrestrial or lithophytic species from Peru at 2,600- 4,000m on rocky
outcroppings in pockets of soil or on bare rock at the tree line in
wet cloud forests. Very short ramicauls are enveloped by several, scarious,
basal sheaths and carry single, apical, oblanceolate coriaceous leaves.
Inflorescences are slightly tridenticulate at the apex and carry fragrant,
singular flowers on an erect, slender 25 cm, successively flowering
raceme in the late spring and summer with distant, scarious, thin, tubular
bracts that hold very showy flowers above the leaves.
Its common name is Davis' Masdevallia named for a late 1800's -early 1900's English orchid collector.
Masdevallia decumana Koniger 1982 SUBGENUS Masdevallia SECTION
Masdevallia SUBSECTION Caudatae Veitch 1889 is another
mini-miniature sized, warm to cold growing cloud forest epiphytic species
from Peru and Ecuador found at 1,000-2,500m. Its blackish, slender,
erect ramicauls are enveloped basally by 2 to 3 tubular sheaths carrying
a single, apical, erect, coriaceous, elliptical, obtuse to rounded leaf.
Flowering occurs in winter on a slender, suberect, 5-6cm erect inflorescence
arising from low on the ramicaul with a bract near the base, and a floral
bract with a solitary flower held below or just at leaf height.
Its common name is the Large Flowered Masdevallia
Masdevallia erinacea Rchb.f 1877 SUBGENUS Pygmaeia SECTION Pygmaeia Luer 1986 is a miniature species from Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia and Ecuador where it can be found in premontane rain forests as a warm to cool growing epiphyte at 700-1,400m. The erect stems are covered with tubular bracts and carry a single, apical subcoriaceous, linear-lanceolate leaf. The single, small summer flowers are borne on a 4-7cm inflorescence with the unusual flowers held just above the leaves.
Its
common name is the Hedgehog Masdevallia, and synonyms are Diodonopsis
erinacea (Rchb. f.) Pridgeon & M.W. Chase 2001; Masdevallia
echinocarpa Schltr. 1920; Masdevallia horrida Teusch. &
Garay 1960; and Scaphosepalum erinaceum (Rchb. f.) Schltr. 1920
Photo
source:
Masdevallia exquisita Luer & Hirtz 1993 SUBGENUS Masdevallia
SECTION Masdevallia SUBSECTION Masdevallia is a cool growing,
mini-miniature sized species from the wet montane forests in northern
Bolivia and Peru at 1,800-2,000m. Slender, erect, blackish ramicauls
enveloped by 2-3 loose, tubular sheaths carry a single, apical, erect,
coriaceous, elliptical, subacute leaf. Flowering in summer occurs on
slender, erect 6 cm inflorescences that arise from low on the ramicaul
with a thin bract near the base and a tubular floral bract that holds
the solitary flower at or just below leaf height. This species is quite
distinct with snow white sepals and bright crimson suffusion in the
middle third to half of the flower. 
Its common name is the Choice Masdevallia.
Photo
source:
Masdevallia floribunda Lindl. 1843 SUBGENUS Masdevallia SECTION
Minutae Rchb.f Ex Woolw. 1896 is another mini-miniature to small
sized, cool to hot growing, tufted, epiphyte from Belize, Mexico to
Costa Rica and the Caribbean found at 400-1,500m in damp forests. Erect,
slender ramicauls basally enveloped by 2-3 close, thin tubular sheaths
carry a single, apical, oblong-lanceolate, petiolate leaf. Flowering
in summer and autumn on a 7.5-13 cm long, slender, decumbent to erect
inflorescence arising from low on the ramicaul carries a single flower
that can often be followed by a second flower just above leaf height.
Several colour variations exist which were in the past identified as
separate species (including Masdevallia tuerckheimii that has
been recognised as a valid species by Kew), however they have since
been reduced to synonymy. Its common name is the Easy-Blooming Masdevallia
Another flower colour Photo
source:
In situ photo source:
Masdevallia gilbertoi Luer & R. Escobar 1978 SUBGENUS Masdevallia
SECTION Masdevallia SUBSECTION Masdevallia can be
found in the department of Risaralda in Colombia on the western cordillera
in cloud forests at 1,400- 2,000m as a miniature sized, cool growing
epiphyte on mossy trees. Sender, erect, blackish ramicauls are basally
enveloped by 2-3 loose, tubular sheaths and carry a single, apical,
erect, coriaceous, long-petiolate, elliptical, subacute to obtuse leaf.
Flowering in summer through autumn occurs on a suberect, 11cm, slender,
single flowered inflorescence arising from low on the ramicaul with
a bract near the base and a thin, tubular floral bract holding the flowers
above the leaves. This species can easily be distinguished from others
by the long, forward pointing tail of the dorsal sepal and the long,
crossed, reflexed tails of the lateral sepals.
Its common name is Gilberto's Masdevallia named after Sr Gilberto
Escobar, a Colombian orchid enthusiast of the late 1900's
Masdevallia guttulata Rchb. f. 1877 SUBGENUS Polyantha SECTION Alaticaules SUBSECTION Alaticaules [Krzl.] Luer 1986 is another mini-miniature sized, caespitose, hot to warm growing epiphytic species found along watercourses in Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador at 400-1,100m. Slender, erect ramicauls enveloped by 2- 3 tubular sheaths carry a single, apical, erect, coriaceous, narrowly elliptical, subacute leaf. Flowering in winter occurs on stout, sub erect, triquetrous, congested, successively single flowered inflorescences arising from low on the ramicaul with a basal bract and a thin, imbricating floral bract that holds the single flower at or well above leaf height. This species can be distinguished from others in the section by the whitish sepals with minute tufts of red hairs within as well as the apices of the lateral sepals are usually triangular and tailless but occasionally some narrowing is present that creates a short, broad apical tail. Its common name is the Small-Spotted Masdevallia, and synonyms are Alaticaulia guttulata (Rchb.f.) Luer 2006; Masdevallia guttulata Rolfe 1890; Masdevallia lawrencei Kraenzl. 1895
Masdevallia hirtzii Luer & Andreetta 1989
SUBGENUS Masdevallia SECTION Masdevallia SUBSECTION Saltatrices
[Rchb.f] Luer 1986 can be found as a mini-miniature sized, cool to warm
growing epiphyte in Ecuador and Peru in cloud forests at 1,200-1,550m.
Blackish, erect, slender ramicauls basally enveloped by 2 to 3 loose
tubular sheaths carry single, apical, erect, coriaceous, elliptical,
satiny green above and silvery green below, subacute leaves. Flowering
in late winter and spring occurs on basal, slender, erect, 4-6cm inflorescences
arising from low on the ramicaul with a bract near the base and a tubular
floral bract with a solitary flower held just above leaf height. This
floriferous species can have several inflorescences from the base of
each leaf, and is known to flower year round in the right conditions.
Its common name is Hirtz's Masdevallia after a German orchid
collector in Ecuador in the late 1900's
Masdevallia ignea
Rchb. f. 1871 SUBGENUS Masdevallia SECTION Masdevallia SUBSECTION
Coccineae Veitch 1889 is a small sized, cold growing terrestrial
species in the tall forest rich humus in the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia
at 2,600- 3,800m. Stout, erect, ramicauls basally enveloped by 2-3 loose,
tubular sheaths carry sub erect, elliptic-lanceolate to oblong-lanceolate,
coriaceous, dark green leaves. Flowering on slender, terete, 30-37.5cm
inflorescences in late spring and summer, the single flowers are held
well above the leaves. Many colour variations exist including the striking
red-orange for which the species is known as well as yellow-red, orange,
red and pink/purple suffusion.
Its common name is the Fire-Red Masdevallia, and the myriad of
synonyms include Masdevallia boddaertii Linden ex André
1879; Masdevallia ignea fma. citrina (Stein) O.Gruss &
M.Wolff 2007; Masdevallia ignea var. armeniaca B.S.Williams
1894; Masdevallia ignea var. aurantiaca B.S.Williams 1894;
Masdevallia ignea var. boddaertii Linden ex André
1879; Masdevallia ignea var. citrina Stein 1892; Masdevallia
ignea var. coccinea Stein 1892; Masdevallia ignea
var. goorii Sander 1901; Masdevallia ignea var. grandiflora
B.S.Williams 1894; Masdevallia ignea var. hobartii Stein
1892; Masdevallia ignea var. marschalliana Rchb.f. 1872;
Masdevallia ignea var. massangeana B.S.Williams 1887;
Masdevallia ignea var. pulchra Vuylsteke ex Cogn. 1897;
Masdevallia ignea var. rubescens Linden ex Kraenzl. 1925;
Masdevallia ignea var. splendens Stein 1892; Masdevallia
ignea var. stobartiana Rchb.f. 1881; Masdevallia ignea
var. superba Linden ex Kraenzl. 1925; Masdevallia ignea var.
tomasonii Gentil 1907 and Masdevallia ignea var. vuylstekeana
Cogn. 1897. First collected in 1879, the collector's identity and
actual locality are unknown, however further populations of this important
species widely used in hybridising were found as collectors were sent
to find the colour variations. As one of the earlier discovered species,
many different names were and continue to be proposed.
Masdevallia instar Luer & Andreetta 1978 SUBGENUS Masdevallia
SECTION Masdevallia SUBSECTION Caudatae Veitch 1889 is a miniature
to small sized, caespitose, cloud forest, cool to cold growing epiphytic
species from Ecuador and Peru where it can be found on tree trunks and
low branches in cold, scrub cloud forest at 1,500-3,150m. Short, inconspicuous
ramicauls concealed by several tubular sheaths carry single, narrowly
lanceolate to oblanceolate, attenuate leaves. Flowering in summer and
autumn takes place on erect to sub erect, slender 10cm marginally than
the leaf inflorescence arising from low on the ramicaul with a bract
near the base, a close, tubular bract that carries the single flower
held above the leaves.
The species is similar to Masdevallia triangularis but can be differentiated by the ovate labellum lamina with the apical lobule having an entire margin. Its common name is the Equally-Large Petal Masdevallia
Masdevallia laucheana John Fraser 1894 SUBGENUS Masdevallia SECTION Minutae Rchb.f Ex Woolw. 1896 is a species from Costa Rica where it can be found in primary forests as a mini-miniature sized, warm to cool growing epiphyte at 950-1,500m. Erect, slender ramicauls basally enveloped by 2-3 imbricate, tubular sheaths carry single, apical, erect, coriaceous, narrowly elliptical-obovate, subacute to obtuse leaves. Flowering in autumn on slender, sub erect, 4-6cm, single flowered inflorescences arising from low on the ramicaul and with a bract near the base and tubular floral bracts, the flowers often smell of Vanilla. Its common name is Lauche's Masdevallia named for the Director of the Vienna Botanical Garden in the 1800's. The synonym is Acinopetala laucheana (John Fraser) Luer 2006
Masdevallia laevis Lindl. 1845 SUBGENUS Masdevallia SECTION Masdevallia SUBSECTION Masdevallia comes from Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador where it can be found as a small sized, variable, cold growing epiphyte on scrub trees in high cloud forests at 2,900-3,900m. Erect, slender, often blackish ramicauls are enveloped by 2-3 loose tubular sheaths and vary a single, apical, erect, coriaceous, elliptical, obtuse to subacute leaf. Flowering in late spring through summer and into autumn, slender, erect, 2-13 cm single flowered inflorescences arising from below the middle of the ramicaul with a bract above the base and a tubular floral bract holding the showy flower at mid leaf. Its common name is the Smooth Lipped Masdevallia.
Some differences of opinion exist about this species, and the flower
shape and colour appears to be quite variable. Masdevallia affinis
is now considered to be a synonym of this species. Other synonyms include
Masdevallia chlorotica Kraenzl 1925; Masdevallia chrysoneura
F.Lehm. & Kraenzl. 1899; Masdevallia confusa Kraenzl. 1925;
Masdevallia gomeziana Lehm & Kraenzl. 1921; Masdevallia
lepida Rchb. f. 1855; Masdevallia musculigera Schlechter
1924; Masdevallia pantherina Lehm. & Kraenzl. 1894; Masdevallia
petiolaris Schlechter 1899;
Masdevallia lehmannii Rchb. f.
1877 SUBGENUS Amanda SECTION Amandae Rchb.f 1874 can be found
in Ecuador and Colombia as a small sized, cold growing epiphyte in humid
valleys of the semi-arid southwest at 2,000-2,400m. Erect, stout ramicauls
basally enveloped by 2-3 loose, tubular sheaths carry single, apical,
erect, coriaceous, petiolate, elliptical, obtuse leaves. Flowering occurs
in summer on sub erect to arcuate, slender, racemose 10 cm, densely
and simultaneously many flowered inflorescence arising from low on the
ramicaul with 2 distant bracts and inflated floral bracts
This species is a variation of Masdevallia polysticha and differs
by having a longer and more congested inflorescence that have flowers
that are light yellow to yellow orange. The sepals are shortly and densely
pubescent towards the edges and less so inward as well as their being
spotted with red or red-brown. Its common name is Lehmann's Masdevallia
named for a German orchid collector in South America in the late 1800's.
Synonyms are Masdevallia densiflora Schltr. 1920; Spilotantha
densiflora (Schltr.) Luer 2006; Spilotantha lehmannii (Rchb.f.)
Luer 2006
Masdevallia limax Luer 1978 SUBGENUS Masdevallia SECTION Masdevallia SUBSECTION Saltatrices [Rchb.f] Luer 1986 can be found as a mini-miniature sized, cool to cold growing epiphyte in southwestern Ecuador at 1,400-2,400m. Blackish, erect, slender ramicauls are enveloped by 2-3 loose, tubular sheaths and carry a single, apical, elliptical, acute leaf. Flowering in summer and autumn occurs on an erect to horizontal, slender 13cm long, solitary flowered inflorescence arising from low on the ramicaul with a bract near the base and a tubular floral bract carrying a long-lasting, waxy flower at or just amid the leaves. The flower is bright orange, tubular and inflated below a constriction between the middle and distal quarter of the tube. Its common name is the Slug-Like Masdevallia
Masdevallia macrura Rchb.f. 1874 SUBGENUS Cucullatia Luer
2002 is a medium-large sized, cold growing lithophyte on mossy, plant
covered rocks in cloud forests in Colombia and Ecuador at 2,000-2,600m.
15cm long, stout stems basally enveloped by 2-3 loose, inflated tubular
sheaths carry single, apical, erect, coriaceous, elliptical, obtuse
leaves. Flowering in winter through to early spring, single large showy,
rigidly fleshy flowers are carried on an erect, stout 30cm inflorescence
arising from the middle of the ramicaul with a keeled, white, membraneous
bract below the middle and a floral bract holding the large flower (up
to 25cm) well above the 
leaves.
This species is both vegetatively and florally the largest Masdevallia species, and its common name, the Long Tail Masdevallia recognises this characteristic.
The synonym is Megema macrura (Rchb.f.) Luer 2006.
Masdevallia manchinazae Luer
& Andreetta 1988-9 SUBGENUS Pygmaeia SECTION Amaluzae Luer
1986 can be found in Ecuador and Peru as an epiphyte in cool, moist
intermontane valleys in the lower reaches of the dry sierra at 1,750-1,900m.
It is a mini-miniature sized, caespitose epiphyte with 2-3cm blackish,
erect, basally slender ramicauls enveloped by 2-3 tubular, sheaths carrying
a single, apical, erect, coriaceous, elliptical, acute leaf. Flowering
occurs on a slender, terete 3-7.5 cm inflorescence arising from low
on the ramicaul with a bract near the base and a tubular floral bract.
The single flowers are held at leaf height during spring. This species
is separated from others by the "V"-shaped median furrow of
the labellum which also has the lateral margins slightly revolute, the
prominent purple veins on the sepals and the long caudae. Its common
name is the Manchinaza Masdevallia, named for a region in Ecuador,
and the synonym is Luzama manchinazae (Luer & Andreetta)
Luer 2006 .
Masdevallia minuta Lindley 1843 SUBGENUS Masdevallia SECTION
Minutae Rchb.f Ex Woolw. 1896 is another mini-miniature, hot to
cool growing forest and foothill terrestrial or epiphytic species from
Venezuela, Surinam, Guyana, French Guiana, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru at
220-1,500m . Slender, erect, basally enveloped ramicauls with 2-3 tubular
sheaths carry single, apical, erect, coriaceous, narrowly obovate, subacute
leaves. Flowering in spring, summer and autumn, single flowers are borne
on slender, erect, filiform, 15- 60cm inflorescences arising from low
on the ramicaul with a bract below the middle, and a floral bract carrying
the single flower held way above the leaves. Its common name is the
Tiny Masdevallia, and the synonyms are Acinopetala minuta
(Lindl.) Luer 2006; Masdevallia surinamensis Focke 1851
Masdevallia niesseniae Luer 1998 SUBGENUS
Masdevallia SECTION Masdevallia SUBSECTION Coccineae Veitch 1889
comes from southern Colombia as a miniature sized, cool growing orchid
in cloud forests at 1,500-1,600m. Erect, channelled ramicauls, basally
enveloped by 2-3, white, loose, tubular sheaths carry single, apical,
erect, coriaceous, elliptical, subacute, gradually narrowing leaves.
Flowering in spring, the slender, erect 23cm single flowered inflorescence
arises from above the base of the ramicaul with a bract below the middle.
The flower is surrounded by a thin, tubular floral bract.
Its common name is Niessen's Masdevallia, named for Andrea Niessen, a Colombian Orchid nursery proprietor.
Masdevallia norops Luer &
Andreetta 1978 SUBGENUS Masdevallia SECTION Masdevallia SUBSECTION
Masdevallia can be found in Ecuador and Peru as a cool to cold,
miniature epiphyte in cloud forests at 1,500-2,800m. Slender, erect,
blackish ramicauls basally enveloped by 2-3 tubular sheaths carry single
apical, erect, coriaceous, petiolate, elliptical, subacute leaves. Flowering
in spring on erect, slender 6-10cm solitary flowered inflorescences
arise from low on the ramicaul with a bract below the middle and a floral
bract holding the single flower at or below leaf height. It can be distinguished
by having an elliptical, long petiolate leaf and a unique bright orange
flower held above the middle and below the leaf. It has sepals that
are fairly fleshy and rigid as well as the blade of the dorsal is convex
and somewhat horizontal holding the acute apex reflecting the long tail
upward and the lateral sepals are rigid and concave as well as narrow
and falcate and more or less cross. The petals are 
callous
above the lower margin with a blunt, basal tooth and the lip is oblong,
acute and arcuate.
Its common name is the Shining Masdevallia
Masdevallia peristeria Rchb.f. 1874 SUBGENUS Masdevallia SECTION
Coriaceae SUBSECTION Coriaceae [Rchb.f] Veitch 1889 is a small sized,
cool to cold growing epiphytic or terrestrial species found in open
woodland and along waterways in Colombia and Ecuador at 1,500-2,500m.
Stout, erect ramicauls basally enveloped by 2-3 loose, tubular sheaths
carry single, apical, linear-lanceolate, sub erect, thick, fleshy leaves.
Flowering in spring and summer, the short 9cm terete inflorescence arising
from low on the ramicaul carries a pale green spotted with crimson malodorous
flower. The common name is the Dove-Like Masdevallia, and synonyms
are Byrsella peristeria (Rchb.f.) Luer 2006; Masdevallia ellipes
Rchb.f 1877; Masdevallia haematisticta chb.f 1866; Masdevallia
peristeria subsp. haematosticta (Rchb. f.) Luer 1988
Masdevallia picturata Rchb.f 1878 SUBGENUS Fissae Luer
2002 comes from Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru,
Bolivia and Venezuela where it can be found as a mini-miniature sized,
cool to cold growing epiphyte on tree trunks along riverbanks in wet
cloud forests at 1,500-2,750m. Short stems basally enveloped by tubular
sheaths carry a single linear to obovate leaf. Flowering in autumn,
winter and early spring occurs on erect 4 cm single flowered inflorescences
that hold the flowers above the leaves. The flowers of this species
can vary greatly in colour and patterning. Its common name is the Striking
Masdevallia, and synonyms include Fissia picturata (Rchb.f.)
Luer 2006 ; Masdevallia cryptocopis Rchb.f. ex Kraenzl. 1925;
Masdevallia meleagris Rchb. f. 1858; Masdevallia ocanensis
Kraenzl. 1921; Masdevallia picturata var. minor Cogn.
1896; Masdevallia picturata subsp. minor (Cogn.) Luer
1986; Rodrigoa cryptocopis (Rchb.f. ex Kraenzl.) Braas 1979;
Masdevallia pulcherrima
Luer & Andreetta 1980 SUBGENUS Amanda SECTION Amandae Rchb.f
1874 can be found as a miniature sized, cold growing epiphyte in cloud
forests in Ecuador at 2,000m. Slender ramicauls basally enveloped by
2-3 imbricating sheaths carry a single, apical, erect, coriaceous, petiolate,
elliptical, subacute leaf. Flowering in summer on an erect then arching,
simultaneously multi flowered 12-1 cm slender inflorescence arising
from low on the ramicaul with bracts below the middle and at the base
and a thin, oblique floral bract, this species common name is the Beautiful
Masdevallia.
The synonym is Spilotantha pulcherrima (Luer & Andreetta) Luer 2006
Photo
source:
(John Varigos photo)
Masdevallia regina Luer
1998 SUBGENUS Masdevallia SECTION Durae Luer 2000 occurs in Peru
as a miniature to small sized, warm to cool growing epiphyte at 1,000-1,500m.
Stout, erect ramicauls enveloped by 2-3 tubular sheaths carry single,
apical, erect, thickly coriaceous, narrowly obovate, obtuse leaves.
Flowering in the winter
occurs on congested, successively few flowered, racemose, terete, 30cm
inflorescences arising from low on the ramicaul with 3 to 4 close bracts
below the middle, and thin, tubular floral bracts that hold the flower
well above the leaves. This species is very similar to Masdevallia
princeps but differs by its acute apices of the lateral sepals,
long approximate tails that are not reflexed, a round convexity in the
centre of the synsepal and a narrower lip with an obtuse apex without
a deflexed callus. Its common name is the Queen Masdevallia,
and the synonym is Regalia regina (Luer) Luer 2006
Masdevallia rolfeana Kraenzl. 1891 SUBGENUS Masdevallia
SECTION
Reichenbachianae Woolw. 1896 is a mini-miniature sized, cool to cold
growing epiphyte on tree trunks in windy Costa Rican cloud forests 1,400-2,200m.
Erect stems basally enveloped by 2-3 tubular sheaths carry a single,
apical, spathulate, slightly rough adaxially, petiolate leaf. Flowering
in autumn through spring, the 12-18cm inflorescence is shorter than
the leaves and has 1-3 successive flowers. Its common name is Rolfe's
Masdevallia after the well-known 1800's Kew taxonomist. The synonym
is Reichantha rolfeana (Kraenzl.) Luer 2006
Masdevallia sanctae-inesae Luer & Malo 1978 SUBGENUS Masdevallia
SECTION Masdevallia SUBSECTION Caudatae Veitch 1889 is
a mini-miniature sized, cool to cold growing epiphyte found on mossy
trees in southern Ecuador's cloud forests at 1,900-2,500m. Blackish,
slender ramicauls basally enveloped by 2-3 tubular sheaths carry a single,
apical, erect, coriaceous, elliptical, subacute to obtuse leaf. Flowering
occurs throughout the year on lateral, slender 2.5-3 cm inflorescences
arising from low on the ramicaul with a bract near the base and a tubular
floral bract that carries a single flower held below the leaves. Each
ramicaul can produce several successive inflorescences. Its common name
is the Saint Inez' Masdevallia named for the nursery where it
first was cultivated.
Masdevallia scabrilinguis Luer 1979 SUBGENUS Masdevallia
SECTION Minutae Rchb.f Ex Woolw. Is another mini-miniature sized,
warm to cool growing species reported from Panama and western Costa
Rica at 1,200-1,300m. Slender, erect ramicauls basally enveloped by
2-3 thin, close, tubular sheaths carry single, apical, erect, coriaceous,
narrowly obovate, subacute to obtuse leaves. Flowering takes place in
spring on slender, erect to sub erect, successively solitary flowered
4-8cm inflorescence arising from low on the ramicaul with a bract below
the middle and a tubular floral bract holding the flower amid the leaves.
This species now said to be a synonym of Masdevallia attenuate,
but can be distinguished by a single, small, white, tubular flower without
stripes, and yellowish sepaline tails about as long as the blades. The
petals are acute to subacute at the apex and more or less unguiculate
(claw like) at the base. The marginal callus does not have an acute
tooth. The apex of the oblong lip is obtuse and verrucose. There is
a pair of verrucose callii that are obtusely angled near the middle.
Its common name is the Rough-Lipped Masdevallia, and the synonym
is Acinopetala scabrillinguis (Luer) Luer 2006
Masdevallia sprucei Rchb.
f. 1878 SUBGENUS Polyantha SECTION Alaticaules
SUBSECTION Alaticaules [Krzl.] Luer grows as a mini-miniature
sized, hot to warm growing epiphyte in lowland tropical and wet montane
forests in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru at 100-900m. Erect,
slender ramicauls enveloped by 2-3 tubular sheaths carry single, apical,
erect, coriaceous, elliptical, obtuse leaves. Flowering in late autumn
and early summer, slender 7cm inflorescences carry successive (3-4)
single flowers on a triquetrous inflorescence arising from low on the
ramicaul with a bract near the base and thin, tubular floral bracts
holding the flowers just at leaf height. Its common name is Spruce's
Masdevallia named for an 1800's English orchid collector.
The synonym is Alaticaulia sprucei (Rchb.f.) Luer, 2006
Masdevallia strobelii H.R.
Sweet & Garay 1966 SUBGENUS Masdevallia SECTION Masdevallia
SUBSECTION Saltatrices [Rchb.f] Luer 1986 is a mini-miniature
sized, warm to cool growing epiphyte from Ecuador and Peru where it
can be found on the lower branches of trees and fence posts along or
near riverbanks at 1,400-1,700m. Slender, erect, ramicauls basally enveloped
by 2-3 loose tubular sheaths carry single, apical, erect, coriaceous,
elliptical, acute leaves. Flowering in early winter, slender, sub erect
to horizontal 3-4.5cm single flowered inflorescences arising from low
on the ramicaul with a bract above the base and a floral bract holding
the showy, fragrant
flower at mid leaf. Its common name is Strobel's Masdevallia
named for a German
orchid collector living in Ecuador in the 900's.
Masdevallia superbiens Luer & Hirtz 2005 SUBGENUS Amanda SECTION Amandae Rchb.f 1874 occurs as a miniature sized cold growing epiphyte in Bolivar Ecuador at 2,800m. Stout ramicauls enveloped by 2-3 loose, tubular sheaths carry single, apical, erect, coriaceous, elliptical, subacute to obtuse, cuneate below into the petiolate base leaves. Flowering takes place in spring and summer on a stout, erect 15-18cm loose, simultaneously opening, several flowered inflorescences arising from low on the ramicaul with a bract on the lower third and an inflated floral bract. Its common name is the Very Fine Masdevallia, and the synonym is Spilotantha superbiens (Luer & Hirtz) Luer 2006
Masdevallia titan Luer 1996 SUBGENUS Masdevallia SECTION
Durae Luer 2000 comes from Peruvian cloud forests at 1,000-1,400m
where it can be found as a small sized, warm to cool growing epiphyte.
Stout, erect ramicauls basally enveloped by 2-3 tubular sheaths carry
a single, apical, erect, thickly coriaceous, narrowly obovate, obtuse,
gradually narrowing leaf. Flowering in late spring and early summer,
terete, purplish, horizontal to ascending 30-40 cm successively few
flowered inflorescences arise from low on the ramicaul, with 2 to 3
bracts below the middle and a tubular floral bract. Its common name
is the Titan Masdevallia referring to the large flower, and the
synonym is Regalia titan (Luer) Luer 2006
Masdevallia tovarensis Rchb.f 1849 SUBGENUS Polyantha
SECTION Alaticaules SUBSECTION Alaticaules [Krzl.] Luer
1986 is a cool to cold growing miniature sized epiphytic species endemic
to Venezuela at 1,600-2,400m. Stout, erect ramicauls enveloped by 2-3
loose, tubular sheaths carry single, apical, erect, thickly coriaceous,
glossy green, elliptical, subacute to obtuse leaves. Flowering in autumn
and early winter, 2-4 flowers open simultaneously on each, stout, erect,
congested 8-18 cm racemose inflorescence that arises from low on the
ramicaul with a basal bract and white, tubular, imbricating floral bracts
holding waxy, long-lived flowers well above the leaves. The inflorescences
should be left on the plant after flowering as they may re-flower later
in the year or the next year.
The common name is the Tovar Masdevallia, named after a Venezuelan
town. Synonyms are Alaticaulia tovarensis (Rchb.f.) Luer 2006;
Masdevallia candida Klotsch & Karst. 1854. This species is
largely extinct in any locations close to Caracas as a result of the
indiscriminate over-collection of flowering plants for sale in local
markets.
Masdevallia tuerckheimii Ames 1908 can be found in Chiapas Mexico
and Guatemala in damp forests as a mini-miniature to small sized, cool
to hot growing, tufted, epiphyte at 400-1,500m. Erect, slender ramicauls
basally enveloped by 2-3 close, thin tubular sheaths carry a single,
apical, oblong-lanceolate, petiolate leaf. Flowering in summer and autumn
on a 7.5-13 cm long, slender, decumbent to erect inflorescence arising
from low on the ramicaul carries a single flower that can often be followed
by a second flower just above leaf height. This species was formerly
cited as a synonym of Masdevallia floribunda but has now been
separated and is recognised as a species according by Kew. Its common
name is Tuerckheim's Masdevallia named for a German collector
in the 1,800's. Synonyms are Masdevallia floribunda subsp. tuerckheimii
(Ames) Luer 1988; Masdevallia floribunda var. tuerckheimii
(Ames) O.Gruss & M.Wolff 2007
Masdevallia uniflora Ruiz & Pavon 1798 SUBGENUS Masdevallia
SECTION Masdevallia SUBSECTION Masdevallia is the type
species for the genus and comes from central Peru and Ecuador as a small
to medium sized, caespitose, cold growing terrestrial among rocks or
epiphyte on scrub trees in cloud forests at 2,500-3,000m. Short, slender,
erect ramicauls enveloped by 2-3, loose, tubular bracts carry single,
apical, erect, coriaceous, elliptic, long petiolate, acute leaves. Flowering
in winter, erect, 22cm wiry, single flowered inflorescences arise from
low on the ramicaul with a bract below the middle and an acute, tubular
floral bract with the campanulate (bell-shaped) flower held well above
the leaves. The distinguishing characteristics of this species are the
fuschia-coloured flowers, the relatively short sepal tails, the prominent
basal petal lobes and the elongate column foot. Its common name is the
Single Flowered Masdevallia.
Masdevallia veitchiana Rchb.f
1868 SUBGENUS Masdevallia SECTION Masdevallia SUBSECTION Coccineae
Veitch 1889 is one of the most strikingly coloured members of the genus.
It can be found as a small sized, cold growing terrestrial, sometimes
lithophytic or rarely epiphytic species on steep rocky slopes covered
with grasses and shrubs in full sun (but with the leaves protected by
the grass) in the vicinity of Macchu Picchu, Peru at 2,000- 4,000m.
Short ramicauls enveloped by of tubular bracts carry erect, linear-oblanceolate,
tapered to the channelled petiolate base, acute, thick leaves. Flowering
in spring and early summer, the erect 39-44cm single flowered inflorescence
carries two distant, tubular bracts and a single inflated tubular, ovate
floral bract. The long-lasting flowers are held well above the leaves.
Dale Borders notes: the unequal colour distribution apparent in Masdevallia
veitchiana is due to the presence of minute purple hairs on the
sepals which lend a prismatic visual aspect to the flower. Viewed head-on
with the light behind you, the colour is symmetrical. Its common name
is Veitch's Masdevallia named for the well-known 1800's English
nurseryman. In Peru, it is also known as Gallo-Gallo [means rooster
and refers to the rooster-like red comb, crest and wattles of the flower]
- The Incas call it Wajanki.
Masdevallia venus Luer
& Hirtz 2000 SUBGENUS Polyantha SECTION Alaticaules
SUBSECTION Alaticaules [Krzl.] Luer 1986 is found in southeaster
Ecuador at around 600m as a mini-miniature sized, hot growing epiphyte
with stout, erect ramicauls basallyenveloped by a loose, tubular sheath
that carry a single, apical, erect, coriaceous, narrowly elliptic, subacute,
narrowly cuneate, petiolate base leaf. This species flowers in spring
on stout, erect 26cm long, congested, racemose, successively single
flowered inflorescences arising from the base of the ramicaul with a
basal tubular bract and thin, imbricating floral bracts. A variety of
colour forms exist as shown on the next page.
Its common name is the Venus Masdevallia named for the Goddess
of Love and Beauty. The synonym is Alaticaulia venus (Luer &
Hirtz) Luer 2006
Masdevallia wageneriana Linden ex Lindl. 1852-3 SUBGENUS Masdevallia
SECTION Masdevallia SUBSECTION Oscillantes Luer 1986 is
another miniature sized, tufted, cool to warm growing epiphytic species
at 1,100-1,800m with sub erect leaves and is endemic to Venezuela. Slender
erect ramicauls enveloped basally by 2 to 3, tubular sheaths carry single,
apical, elliptic, petiolate, sub erect, coriaceous, glossy dark green
leaves. Flowering in spring, summer and autumn, the sub erect to spreading,
slender 5cm single flowered inflorescence arises from low on the ramicaul
with a bract near the base, and a tubular floral bract that is held
amid the leaves.
Photo
source:
Masdevallia pteroglossa is the plant on the right.
Its common name is Wagener's Masdevallia named for a German plant
collector who collected In Venezuela in the mid-1800's. This species
is very similar to Masdevallia pteroglossa.
Masdevallia xanthina Rchb.f 1880
SUBGENUS Masdevallia SECTION Masdevallia SUBSECTION Caudatae
Veitch 1889 is a mini-miniature sized, cool to cold growing cloud
forest epiphytic species found in damp woods in Antioquia and Caldas
Colombia, Ecuador and Peru (on both sides of the Andes) at 1,500-2,800m.
Blackish, erect, slender ramicauls basally enveloped by 2 to 3 loose,
tubular sheaths carry single, apical, oblong-ovate, sub erect, shortly
petiolate, tridenticulate leaves. Flowering in winter, the flowers are
borne on erect, slender, terete 8cm single flowered inflorescences arising
from low on the ramicaul with a bract below the middle and a tubular
floral bract that holds the flower above the leaves.
Its common name is the Yellow Masdevallia.
Synonyms are Masdevallia estradae var. xanthina (Rchb.f.)
A.H.Kent 1889; Masdevallia pallida (Woolward) Luer 1978; Masdevallia
xanthina var. pallida Woolward 1896; Masdevallia xanthina
subsp. pallida (Woolward) Luer 1988
Masdevallia yungasensis T.Hashim SUBGENUS Masdevallia SECTION Masdevallia SUBSECTION Masdevallia is a mini-miniature to miniature sized Bolivian, cold growing cloud forest and wet montane forest epiphyte or terrestrial at 2,150-3,000m. Erect, slender ramicauls basally enveloped by 2-3 loose, tubular sheaths carry single, apical, erect, coriaceous, and subacute to obtuse leaves. Winter flowering takes place on erect, slender 4-6.5cm inflorescences arising from low on the ramicaul with a bract above the base and a tubular floral bract. The single, showy flower is held at or just below the leaves. Synonyms in use are Masdevallia calocodon Luer & R. Escobar 1981; Masdevallia yungasensis subsp. calocodon (Luer & R.Vásquez) Luer 1988.
Its common name is the Yungas Masdevallia after the Bolivian mountain range where it can be found.
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This concludes the article on the genus
Masdevallia. Hopefully this has generated some interest in growing
this intriguing species. The members that come from lower altitudes
should be more amenable to our Mediterranean climate, and require less
heating and cooling than the high altitude cloud forest species.