Cattleya grandis

Description

Sophronitis is a genus of small epiphytic orchids in the subtribe Laeliinae, family Orchidaceae, now augmented with species that have been reclassified from the genus Laelia. Sophronitis speciesare widely known for their red flowers, especially Sophronitis coccinea. They are widely distributed throughout Brazil, Paraguay and NE Argentina. The species of this genus are epiphytes and are found in the tropical and warm climate lands of the mountains of Brazil, Paraguay and NE Argentina. These species have a wide range of color in their flowers in clusters that can be erect or pendulous. Most are epiphytes, others are lithophytes. They are very close to Cattleya with which the only difference is the number of polynya. The stems are normally short. The pseudobulbs, about 6 to 30 cm long, are ovoid, and clearly separated. Each pseudobulb develops one or two waxy, fleshy, leathery leaves about 20 cm long. The inflorescence is in a cluster and can have a length of 30 cm and bear about 8 flowers, which are orange or purple and have sepals and petals with the same shape. The lip is trilobed with lateral lobes that partially enclose the column. The smaller intermediate lobe has a yellow disc and the spur is attached to the ovary. Some species are yellow, and almost all species have some orange spots due to natural variations within species. They bloom in spring or fall. Alba varieties are rare and highly prized. Members of this genus are easily reared in cultivation and are drought resistant. The cultivation of each species requires specific conditions that correspond to those of its natural habitat. Many of them can be placed on plates, so their roots can receive air currents and withstand cycles of humidity or drought. Many of the South American species formerly in the genus Laelia are now classified in Sophronitis (van den Berg and Chase Lindleyana 15 (2), page 115, June 2000). The taxonomic status of some of these species within Laelia was in doubt so they were reclassified based on molecular phylogenetics. It seems that some horticulturists and taxonomists reject these changes and refuse to accept them as "Sophronitis" and continue to designate them as Laelia.