Rhyncholaelia digbyana Orchid
Rhyncholaelia digbyana is an orchid of the genus Rhyncholaelia. Plant blooms in the summer with up to two 17 cm wide flowers. The flowers are light lemon color with a refreshing lemon-like smell and start to appear from summer. This Rhyncholaelia digbyana orchid is found growing on trees and bushes in Costa Rica, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras and Southeast Mexico. The blooming season is from September till January, making it an ideal time to observe.
In the jungles of the Mexican Caribbean, this orchid grows attached to big sapodilla trees. Some local gardeners successfully cultivate this type of flower, particularly this specific species. This species of orchid does not face endangerment. Interestingly, the Rhyncholaelia digbyana orchid serves as the national flower of Honduras in Central America.
Taxonomy
In 1846, John Lindley identified it as Brassavola digbyanna, now known as Rhyncholaelia digbyana. Edward St. Vincent included the plant in his collection, likely originating from Honduras. After three reclassifications since its original description, Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach combined it with Brassavola glauca to form the new genus Rhyncholaelia, which includes this notable orchid as its most significant member.
Characteristics
This species develops epiphytically on host trees in its natural habitat. It has elongated compressed pseudobulbs capped by a single leaf, typical of the type of orchid.
