Schomburgkia undulata

Common Name - The Undulate Schomburgkia

Schomburgkia undulata resembles the previous species : it is also characterized by myrmecophilia ( that is ,coexistence with ants ) -colonies of specialized ant species live in its naturally hollow pseudobulbs with an ''entrance '' at the base . Their relationship can be described as a ''mutually -beneficial coperation '': the orchid provides the ants with a dwelling and in turn it receives nutrition from the ants 'excrement , as well as their jealous protection from sundry pests . The apices of the plants pseudobulbs give rise to a firm spike bearing 3-15 gorgeous brown and purple flowers ,up to 3.2 in /8 cm in diameter . The three lobe lip is lilac to white . Like the previous species ,this epiphyte needs a maximum possible amount of light ,especially in the fall when it grows new pseudobulbs . It blooms between May and June and comes from colombia ,Venezuala and Trinidad .

Synonyms

Bletia excelsa Bradf. 1846; Bletia undulata [Lindley]Rchb.f 1861; Cattleya undulata [Lindley] Beer 1854; Laelia undulata [Lindley] L. O. Wms. 1941; Schomburgkia lueddemannii Prill. 1862; Schomburgkia quesneliana Lindl 1860; Schomburgkia violacea Paxton 1849