Cattleya mossiae
Also known as "Flor de Mayo"
What is it?
The "flor de mayo" (Cattleya mossiae) is an orchid from the group known to orchid growers and fans as “unifoliate cattleyas” (cattleyas with single-leaf pseudobulbs), a group of species from which the cattleyas with the greatest ornamental floristic value come, as well as the parents of the current modern Cattleya-type complex hybrids (Potinara, Sophrolaeliocattleya, Brassoleaeliocattleya, Laeliocattleya and Brassocattleya). This species has been the national flower of Venezuela since 1951.
Habitat
It is normally considered a cloud forest species, a forest that, even during the dry season, benefits from a constant mist that allows for rainfall in the dry season and a constant humidity of 70–80%. However, throughout much of its range, it can be found abundantly in humid montane forests, as well as some semi-deciduous and deciduous forests where relative humidity can easily drop to 40–50% for parts of the year and must endure a dry period of three to four months. It is a species of temperate climates where minimum nighttime temperatures in the coldest months rarely drop below 12°C, and maximum daytime temperatures in the warmest months rarely exceed 30°C.
The species grows in colonies both on rocks, where it benefits from the accumulated detritus, and on various tree genera (Inga spp., Erythrina spp., Ceiba spp.). When it grows on rocks, it is usually relatively exposed, although protected by the surrounding vegetation. When it grows on trees, which is more common, it usually grows near water sources (streams and creeks) or near forest openings. It does so by vegetating on the highest branches of the canopy, where it can obtain abundant light while simultaneously protecting itself from direct sunlight.
Find out more at Wikipedia!
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Coded by Albany Torres