This unusual orchid is one of the few bright orange members of the Oncidium family and like its relative Cochlioda noezliana is hummingbird pollinated. It has petals and sepals that form a tube for the feeding bird by only opening at their ends.

The species is native to cool cloud forests of Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela and so enjoys growing cool moist and shady in our Cool Americas section. The flowers are relatively long lasting and always worth a closer look.