Oncidium auriferum

Native from Venezuela through Colombia and Ecuador to Peru, this small perennial epiphytic orchid grows in cool Andean habitats. Compressed pseudobulbs cluster together, each carrying a single upright leaf. Slender, branching flower stems arise from mature pseudobulbs in late spring and early summer. The small flowers combine yellow and brown tones, with broad yellow lips. Its flower sprays reach about 12 inches long. In Colombia, it occurs at elevations of about 4,900 to 7,900 feet. Photographed in Colombia.