365 days of orchids – day 718 – Odontoglossum manuelariasii
Some orchids produce a generous amount of flower that seems our of proportion to plant and this is one of them. The branched starry flower spike would actually make a great Christmas tree!
Odontoglossum manuelaraisii is another of the species traditionally included in the genus Odontoglossum but now moved to Oncidium following genetic analysis. The species is endemic to Peru where it grows in cool forests at around 2600m. The species is fairly recently described and can also be found under the name Odontoglossum ariasii. The species is notable for its long upright flower spikes which produce branches towards the base and so deliver an impressive amount of flower.
We look forward to growing this plant into a specimen and seeing what it can do when really grown well. It is at home in our Cool Americas section and kept moist all year.
I think this orchid would make a great Christmas tree too. No need for tinsel!
Thank you very much for the wonderful Orchid Christmas evening. The mulled wine was yummy! Lillie really enjoyed her mince pie and was over the moon to see “Father Greenhouse” again. Your greenhouses are so beautiful at night.
Thank you again from all my family we really had a lovely time.
Glad you enjoyed it – Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without Orchid Christmas!