DANTAisms

          Encyclia cordigera is an orchid species native to Central America, with a range that expands into Northern South America and north into Mexico. This orchid is prized by orchid collectors and botanists due to its tolerance to a wide range of conditions, as well as its rich color and sweet fragrance, both of which can vary significantly depending on the variety. The above drawing and picture below display a variation called “semi-alba”, or var. randii (variety randii), which is identified by the little pink markings or patches on the lip. The lip is the lower, often largest petal of an orchid that provides stability for visiting pollinators.

Image: José Pestana

References:

The American Orchid Society: http://www.aos.org

José Pestana at https://www.flickr.com/photos/jpestana/11313034305/in/photostream/