Cattleya warscewiczii

Native only to Colombia, this perennial orchid grows on trees and stores water in swollen stems called pseudobulbs. In Colombia, it is recorded between about 980 and 5,250 feet. Its large rose-mauve flowers can span about 7 to 9 inches, usually with two or three on a flowering stem. The broad crimson-purple lip has two yellow patches near the throat. Its exceptional flower size has made it valuable in orchid breeding. The species is classified as Endangered on Colombia’s national red list. Photographed in Colombia.