Masdevallia tovarensis

Native to northern Venezuela, this small perennial epiphytic orchid grows in mountain forests between about 5,200 and 7,900 feet. Stout, short stems carry thick, glossy, elliptical leaves. Flower stalks about three to seven inches long bear two to four waxy, long-lasting flowers that open together. The broad sepals extend into slender tails. Flowering occurs mainly in autumn and early winter. Photographed in Ecuador.