coryanthes-alborosa

The small genus Coryanthes numbers about 20 species and is renowned for its unique specialization :in the wild , it grows exclusively in the tree nests of Azteca ants. This phenomenon is probably related not only to the protection ,but also the nutrition of the plants ,which in turn makes these orchids very difficult to cultivate.The egg-shaped pseudobulbs of the species C. alborosa bear a couple of rather slim leaves . The bizarre flowers on overhanging spikes have ,in a similar manner to those of the related genus stanhopea ,a very complicated morphology and they are white ,covered with delicate red dots . Epiphytic cultivation is recommended but blooming is sporadic and usually takes place in the summer months. The species comes from Central and South America ; a more precise localization has not yet been completed.