Masdevallia coccinea (white-flowered alba form)

Endemic to Colombia, this small perennial orchid grows in cool Andean mountain habitats. Each short stem carries a single leathery leaf. Slender, upright flower stalks rise above the foliage and bear a solitary waxy flower about one and a half to three inches across. The large sepals end in narrow tails. White, yellow and orange forms occur alongside the scarlet-flowered forms. Flowering occurs in spring and summer. It is endangered in Colombia. Photographed in Colombia.