After yesterday’s stinky Bulbophyllum phalaenopsis we have the beautifully fragrant Odontoglossum manuelaresii today that fills your nostrils with a gorgeous scent similar to Lily of the Valley – or as my year 9’s say ‘Posh hand cream’.

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 (92cm long this year) which produce branches towards the base and so deliver an impressive amount of flower. The flowers are really long lasting and will be with us well into the spring.

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.