Maxillaria egertoniana

Description

Trigonidium egertonianum is an orchid found in Central and South America. Trigonidium egertonianum has densely clustered pseudobulbs, ovoid in shape with two leaves. The orchid's inflorescence arises on mature growths, ranging from 25–45 cm (9.8–17.7 in) in length. Its flowers are 3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 in) long and bell shaped. The sepals, petals, and lip are yellow-green to pinkish brown, with brown veins and markings. The species is epiphytic and grows on large, wet branches up to 900 m (3,000 ft) in altitude. The species produces extrafloral nectar. The specific epithet "egertonianum" is named for Sir Egerton. Trigonidium, abbreviated as Trgdm in horticultural trade, is a genus of orchids comprising roughly twenty species found from Mexico to Brazil. The epiphytes and lithophytes of the genus have long or short rhizomes. Its pseudobulbs are cylindrical or ovoid with overlapping sheathes at their base and one or two leaves at their apex. The inflorescences of the genus are basal, erect, and single flowered, with the flower usually as long or longer than the leaves. The flowers are tubular at the base with sepals spreading. The sepals are larger than the petals and the petals are larger than the lip. The lip is trilobed and not spurred. The flowers have shiny pads and eyespots that lure male bees to perform pseudocopulation with the blossoms. Trigonidium derives from the Greek "trigonon", meaning "triangle", in reference to the triangular shape of the flowers. Plants of the genus grow well in pots with standard epiphyte mix, in intermediate conditions with light shade and high humidity. Plants should be kept dry but not so dry that pseudobulbs shrivel.