Orchid Species: Caularthron bicornutum

ORIGIN: This medium sized, hot to warm growing, epiphytic or occasional lithophytic species, commonly called the Virgin Orchid, is often found close to the sea on rocks or cliffs or rivers in Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Fr. Guiana, Surinam, Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago.

DESCRIPTION: This medium sized, hot to warm growing, epiphytic or occasional lithophytic species, commonly called the Virgin Orchid, is often found close to the sea on rocks or cliffs or rivers in Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Fr. Guiana, Surinam, , Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago with long-cylindrical, fusiform or elongate-ovoid pseudobulbs enveloped by white, papery bracts carrying, 3 to 4, towards the apex, oblong or elliptic-oblong, fleshy, coriaceous, obtuse leaves that blooms in the late winter through the spring on a 6 to 16 [15 to 40 cm] long, slender, terminal, erect raceme that has a few to many [3 to 20] sequentially opening, fragrant, waxy flowers with small bracts and twisted pedicels that are longlasting and arise on newly matured pseudobulbs. The inflorescence appear in the fall and grow through the winter for a late winter through spring blooming. They are often found in association with ants that live in a hollow cavity with an entrance at the base of the older pseudobulbs. This species can bloom out of the apex of a newly emerging pseudobulb that will not develop further if the plant is under stress. Bright light, ample water while growing and a lessening in the winter ensures a healthy regular blooming plant.

FLOWER SIZE: Up to 3 inches [5 cm] -- information provided by Jay Pfahl, author of the Internet Orchid Species Encyclopedia (IOSPE).

Most awarded/recent cultivars: Cau. bicornutum 'Arp's Snowflake' (2 awards in 1990) Cau. bicornutum 'Seabec' (2 awards in 1976) Cau. bicornutum 'Laetitia' (2018) Cau. bicornutum 'Sunset Valley Orchids' (2009) Diacm. bicornutum 'For Mark' (2003) Diacm. bicornutum 'Crist Orchids' (1994) Diacm. bicornutum 'Erma' (1974) Diacm. bicornutum 'Helena' (1972) Diacm. bicornutum 'Del Norte' (1969)