dimerandra-emarginata

Dimerandra orchids (a total of 8 species )are largish clustered epiphytes of a reed-like appearance. The species D. emarginata has a high (up to 16 in /40 cm ),fleshy shoot covered with two raws of rather firms ,4 -in/ 10 -cm -long leaves tapering off in to a sharp tip. short spikes bearing one flower appear in tufts on the ends of the shoots-they bloom one by one and produce showy pink -and- purple flowers . Each flowers is embellished with a back-ward turned ,fan-shaped lip colored in a darker shade of purple . The center of the flower is highlighted with a white base of the lip . The species' proportions prevent it from becoming idel for cultivation ,but its beautiful flowers guarantee a certain degree of popularity . The plants can be kept both as epiphytes and in a permeable mix in flowerpots or baskets. In order to develop well ,the plant needs semi-shade ,high air -humidty and a brief winter rest . Flowers appear irregularly ,most often between the fall and spring. The plant inhabits a large geographical area between Mexico and Ecuador.