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The Epidendrum Story
Epidendrum magnificum
Epidendrum is a hardy genus to which belong a great number of so-called 'botanicals'.
In the past because their flowers are small and perceived as having to no commercial value, Epidendrum was of interest only to botanists. But looking at the photo of Epidendrum magnificum one would have to say that small can be extremely beautiful.
The plant is vine-like in some species, but has definite pseudobulbs in others; it is epiphytic and sympodial. The small flowers are very abundant, usually starry (slender sepals and petals as contrasted with the broad petals and sepals of Cattleya and Phalaenopsis), and frequently of brilliant, almost harsh, coloring-including all shades of red from orange to maroon.
It has an affinity for Sophronitis (sof'fron-eye-tis), with which it readily crosses to form Epiphronitis. It grows
like a weed in Mexico.
An orchid that should be added to any beginners collection.
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