euchile-citrinum

A large flowered rarity that is perhaps the secreat dream of every orchid grower. Sadly ,it is very rare and difficult to cultivate . The local people of Oaxaca,Mexico (where the photo was taken )collect specimens of E. citrinum in bloom (unfortunately ,along with pseudobulbs )in light oak forests before Easter and hang them on fences and houses as decorations .E. citrinum forms egg-shaped pseudobulbs that reach length of up to 2 in/ 5 cm ,grow only in an overhanging position and bear 2-4 leathery leaves . Flower spikes bearing 1-3 flowers each grow out of their apices. The flowers are beautiful ,2.4 -3.2 in/6-8 cm across,partly open ,and lemon-yellow (they also give off an intense lemony fragrance). Unfortunately they are not very durable. Cultivation is very difficult and is considered to be something like a cultivator's graduation exam:the species grows in altitudes above 9,800 ft /3000 m above sea level and therefore requirs cool temperatures ,plenty of sunshine unfiltered by the atmosphere ,and fresh air . Grow it epiphytically and, in winter ,reduce temperature to 59 F/15 C and water only very modestly,because of the development stagnation caused by insufficient light. E. citrinum blooms between March and April and is known to grow only in Mexico .