Masdevallia constricta 'Kailyn'

As is evident from the photos, Masdevallia constricta has huge flowers that dwarf the plant.  The flowers are 13 cm from tip to tip on a plant that is about the same size.  The species is from Ecuador and belong to the Saltatrices group of Masdevallias.  The species name refers to the "constricted" sepaline tube which is covered on the inside with tiny glandular hairs.  This plant was awarded by the American Orchid Society several years ago.

Masdevallia constricta 'Kailyn' HCC/AOS

This is the other plant I had awarded at the last session of the Northwest Regional Judging Center.  It was given a High Class Certificate for the size of the flowers which are substantially larger than any other clone that has been awarded.  They are given a measurement of 13 cm in the awards description, which reads: "Four large, well-presented flowers and six buds; sepals white, sepaline tube orange color deepening toward column; petals hidden; caudae medium yellow; substance firm; texture matte."  Some of the flowers have been larger, however, as much as 15 cm.  The species is from Ecuador and this awarded clone is named after one of our granddaughters.

Masdevallia constricta

This fabulous orchid species is from Ecuador and Peru.  It has flowers that are as big as the plant and beautifully colored.  The name, constricta, refers to the tubular part of the flower which is constricted in the middle.  The plant is three to four inches tall and the flowers about three inches from top to tip of the tails.  It is a prolific bloomer and on close inspection it is obvious that the interior of the flowers are covered with tiny hairs or glands.