Rossioglossum schlieperianum

Common Name - Schlieper's Rossioglossum [German Orchid Enthusiast late 1800's]

Another extremely popular ,large -flowered orchid of the highly esteemed genus Rossioglossum . The size and shape of its Pseudobulbs is the same as in the case of Rossioglossum grande ;its leaves are shorter(up to 6 in/15 cm )and the flowers are smaller (3.2 in /8 cm in diameter).However ,the 10 in/25 cm long spike bears a high number of them ,even under cultivation (up to 8 ). The flower tepals are yellowish ,covered rather densely with brown -and -red spots (in some cases,the basic yellow color is almost concealed ).The edges and base of the broadened ,circular lip are fringed with red and brown spots -the shape of the lip is the distinguishing feature of the 4 species contained inthe genus. Follow the dultivation instructions applied to the previous species but bear in mind that Rossioglossum schlieperianum is more warmth -loving and the winter rest period therefore shouldnot be too long . Flowers appear in the fall and also in the spring . The plants natural habitat is in Panama and Costa Rica.

Synonyms

*Odontoglossum schlieperianum Rchb. f. 1865; Odontoglossum grande-pallidum Klotzsch ex Rchb.f. 1865; Odontoglossum powellii Schltr. 1922; Rossioglossum powellii (Schltr.) Garay & G.C.Kenn 1976