Cyrtopodium schargellii

Native to northwestern Venezuela and neighbouring Colombia, this perennial orchid grows high on trees in lowland forests. Its upward-growing aerial roots collect fallen plant debris around the base, helping form a natural basket. Large, cane-like pseudobulbs can reach about 2 feet tall and lose their leaves seasonally. Branching flower stems rise to about 31 inches, bearing brownish-yellow flowers spotted with maroon. In Venezuela, flowering occurs from January to March as new shoots develop. Photographed in Colombia.