365 days of orchids – day 178 – Maxillaria ochroleuca
This unusual Maxillaria species has flowers with long curling petals and a strong pleasant fragrance. The flowers are produced in profusion from last year’s pseudobulb each on individual stems. Looking at photos online this is a variable species which reflects its wide range across South America (Eastern Brazil to Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador) where it grows in both lowland forest and montane forest up to 1800m. We find that the species does best in our Cool Americas section.
We particularly  like the way the petals and sepals appear to have had their tips dipped in yellow dye.
Discussion