cattleya dowiana varaurea

C.dowiana is the most spectacular and the most fragrant Cattleya,and among the prettiest orchids ever,as far asthe contrast of its colors and shapes is concerned. The flowers are giant -up to 6.4in /16 cm tall. What attracts attention is mainly the lip,which is purple in color ,interwoven with yellow -and-golden streaks. The other tepals are broad,ruffled and deep yellow. The species requirs a warmer environment compared to other Cattleyas, and it should be grown in flowerpot. It is native to Panama , Costa Rica and Colombia , where ''aurea'', its rare variety ,was discovered in a mountain valley of Antiqua.C. aurea's lip is shot through with comparatively deep golden streaks , and the tepals are reddish at the bottom (see the photo). As a bearer of valuable features, C. aurea is widely used in orchid breeding.