Pleurothallis gargantua

Pleurothallis gargantua is an epiphytic orchid native to Carchi Province in Ecuador. A broad leathery leaf rises from each slender stem and provides the setting for a single large flower near its base. The flower has a hooded reddish-orange upper sepal and a dark maroon pouchlike lower portion. Research-grade observations document this wet-tropical species in Ecuador. Photographed in Colombia.