Lycaste lasioglossa

Native from southeastern Mexico through Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, this orchid grows on trees or on the forest floor in mountain habitats. It reaches about 2 feet tall and develops compressed, oval pseudobulbs. Large flowers have brown to yellowish-brown sepals and yellow petals. The conspicuously hairy lip is a distinguishing feature of the species. It has been used in breeding red-flowered hybrids through crosses with Lycaste virginalis. In cultivation, good drainage helps prevent rot, particularly during cool, wet weather. Photographed in Panama.