Family Orchidaceae Scientific name Brassavola flagellaris Rank Species | Tribe Epidendreae Section B. sect. Sessilabia Higher classification Brassavola | |
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Similar Brassavola, Orchids, Brassavola cucullata, Brassavola martiana, Brassavola tuberculata | ||
Brassavola flagellaris is a species of epiphytic orchid of the Cattleya alliance. It grows wild in eastern Brazil (from Minas Gerais to Paraná), where it fills the evening air with the citrus-like fragrance of its blossoms.
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Etymology
The specific epithet, flagellaris, refers to the elongated (whip-like) leaves. In Brazil, the common name is munida de chicote, meaning "whip".
Description
Brassavola flagellaris is a sympodial epiphyte (sometimes a lithophyte) with terete pseudobulbs, 6–30 cm long, each carrying a single elongated succulent leaf. The erect or pendulous inflorescence carries one to several flowers bearing long and narrow light-green sepals which closely resemble the lateral petals. The broad white lip closely encircles most of the light yellow-green column.
Members of this species grow readily under cultivation and are resistant to drought. They can be placed on slabs to allow their roots sufficient aeration.