Cattleya purpurata

Native to southeastern and southern Brazil, this perennial orchid grows high in tree canopies in coastal forests. Upright pseudobulbs bear a single leathery leaf. Its large flowers usually measure 6 to 8 inches across, with four or five on a stem. Petals and sepals range from white to pink, while the lip varies from purple and red to slate-blue, often with contrasting veins. It is the state flower of Santa Catarina, Brazil, where flowering peaks in November. Its rich lip colors have contributed to many orchid hybrids. Photographed in Florida.