Masdevallia (Masd.) is an evergreen small clustered epiphytic orchid, with a few rocky or terrestrial species. It has short stems and no obvious false bulbs. The short stems are often clustered and enclosed in leaf sheaths, with one leaf growing at the top. Leaves upright or nearly upright, fleshy or leathery. The dorsal surface of the leaves has a keel like protrusion, and the base narrows into a grooved stem. The inflorescence originates from the base of the stem. Single or multiple flowers arranged in a raceme, with upright and slender peduncles, cylindrical or triangular in shape. The flower has a diameter of 2.5-30cm [2], with a triangular outer frame and three sepals with a long tail, thick and cup-shaped base. The corolla is tubular or triangular in shape, and the tips of the sepals often contract into a thin tubular long tail, extending outward or slightly drooping. The petals and lips are small and not obvious. There are various colors, including white, yellow, red, pink, brown, orange, red, and purple. Some have spots or veins. Most species bloom in winter and spring, and the flowering period can last for more than a month.
|
