Encyclia coch spike or sheath?

[gardengirl13]

I just got my Ol order and they said they were both in spike. I don't have a photo tonight, but there is no spike. I'm not sure if this is a sheath or how they even work. Do the spikes come from the sheath? I know without a photo you can't tell, but for now can someone explain this better to me?

Also I'm a bit upset seeing this same plant a lot cheaper at other places online, I have ordered from OL before and like them, but I still feel bad spending too much when money is so tight right now. Oh well.

tomorrow I'll try to get the photos up here and will post in my other thread about the phal I got too that you guys want to see,