lycaste- virginalis

This orchid is oftern labeled with its synonym of L. skinneri ,and it is unquestionably the most decorative species of the whole genus. Its uncommon appearance is reflected in the species name-virginalis means virginal or untouched and naturally refers to the beauty of the plant. The 4 in /10 -cm -tall pseudobulbs bearing two or three leaves reaching lengts of up to 6 in/ 15 cm do not differ in appearance from their closest relatives . On the other hand ,the pinkish flowers can be 6 in/15 cm across with a shade-darker,purple-spoted lip. Collectors are also after the species ' rare white flwered variety . Cultivaton rules are identical with those of L. aromatica. The species blooms between the fall and spring and lives epiphytically in an area between Mexico and Honduras in altitudes of 6,560 ft/2,000 m and lower.