This is a close relative of Masdevallia hirtzii (day 303) and is endemic to Ecuador. This species also has tubular orange flowers pollinated by humming birds and is a miniature species with 4cm leaves.

The flowers have a really unusual shape with their bent tubes and small openings and a well grown plant will flower for many months. The photo shows buds in various stages of development as well as the open flowers. I expect this plant to still be in flower next February.

This species seems quite tough for a miniature masdevallia and has much thicker leaves than Masdevallia hirtzii making this it much more tolerant of summer heat and dry periods. We find this species does best in a small mossy basket.