Oncidium cheirophorum

Native from Chiapas, Mexico, through Central America to Colombia, this miniature perennial orchid grows as an epiphyte in montane rainforests. Its small, compressed pseudobulbs each carry one leaf. Arching flower sprays, up to about 12 inches long, hold many waxy yellow flowers with a citrus-like fragrance. Flowering commonly occurs in fall and winter. It has contributed its compact growth and fragrant flowers to hybrids such as Oncidium Twinkle, a cross with Oncidium sotoanum. Photographed in Colombia.