Orchid of the day: Prosthechea mariae, formerly known as Encyclia mariae

Prothechea mariae (formerly Encyclia mariae)

Orchid names keep changing due to the involvement of DNA analysis. One day you belong to one genus and the next you are not. Well that is the case with one of my favourite orchid, Encyclia mariae. It is now called Prosthechea mariae. Whether this will hold true forever, remains to be seen. Until the next DNA analysis or common sense...

This is a beautiful orchid from Mexico, by the way, LOVE Mexico. We noticed three inflorescences this year compared to two last year. It was quite exciting to see how many flowers we will get this year.

A) May 9th. Three very small inflorescences creeping out of the leaves.

B) It was still hard to see at this time.

C) By May 19th, the flower stalks or inflorescences were clearly elongating out. Left, right and to the top.

D) A different angle of the three flower stalks.

Here is a piece that Arne put together for the post today. Hopefully it will provide those interested with a little more background on the current evolution of the new name.

"I got to know the wonderful orchid Prosthechea mariae as Epidendrum mariae.  Then it was transferred from genera to genera and became Encyclia mariae, Hormidium mariae, Euchile mariae and finally Prostechea mariae.  It didn’t happen in that order necessarily but I know for sure it was transferred back and forth between some of these genera. Epidendrum once encompassed a huge number of species from Mexico and northern South America.  It was obvious that some distinction should be made between certain groups within Epidendrum so the division began into mainly Prosthechea and Encyclia.

Until today there are two orchids that form their own group and that are Prosthechea (Encyclia) mariae and Prosthechea (Encyclia) citrina.  Believe me when I say that they both belong elsewhere and will probably make up their own genus including these two species only. With respect to the culture, P. mariae wants to be mounted with daily watering from about May to October.  The temperatures in summer should ideally be around 75 - 80 °F (24 – 27 °C) or even somewhat cooler during the day and around 60 – 71 °F  (15 – 22 °C) during night.  After that it needs a dry rest during winter with almost no water and temperatures around 55 – 69 °F (13 – 21 °C) until the middle of March.  P. mariae always wants bright light without heating of the leaves". ~Arne~

E) By June 22nd, we have eleven flowers this year compared to eight in 2014. A beautiful specimen and worthy of sharing.

F) A view from the top. Lovely cascading blooms with a mild pleasant scent in the mornings.