hormidium-fragrans

The validity of the genus Hormidium is questionable -botanists have alternately included in representatives among Epidendrum and Encyclia orchids . As with other species of this genus ,the flowers of H . fragrans are reversed (by 180 degrees )- the lip is thus positioned in the upper part of the flower. The slim pseudobulbs are up tp 2 in/5 cm tall and bear one belt -shaped leaf that is twice as long . The inflorescence with 2-5 whitish flowers is erect ; the flower lip is shell -shaped and decorated with purple stripes. This orchid is very easy to cultivate . As a commonplace species ,it is now threatened with falling in to obscurity . Flowers appear on the plant in late winter and in the spring . Specimens are reported to grow in the vast area of Central and South America.