Cattleya quadricolor

Native to west-central Colombia, this perennial epiphytic orchid grows on trees. Its compressed pseudobulbs each bear a single leaf. In Colombia, it is recorded between about 3,100 and 5,600 feet. The large, fragrant flowers have broad white to pale lilac petals with ruffled margins and a lip marked with yellow and magenta. Many forms retain a cupped appearance rather than opening fully. It is classified as Endangered on Colombia’s national red list. Photographed in the department of Caldas, Colombia.