Laelia crispata

[Rosim_in_BR]

Long known as Laelia flava, Francisco Miranda demonstrated that the correct epithet for this yellow rupicolous is crispata.
I went to see it many years ago in the wild, near Sao Tome das Letras, a small rock village in Minas Gerais. I can't describe the vision of a hillside with hundreds of tall yellow floral stems emerging above the high grass. You can't see the plants, covered by the grasses, only the spikes waving under the breeze. Recent reports from the same area say not a single plant can be seen now...

[Royal]

Sad to hear that they've declined in numbers so drastically. Thank goodness for ex situ conservationists like yourself.

[kiki-do]

Very striking, Mauro. She's a beauty!

[isurus79]

Bummer about the wild habitat of this great little species being destroyed. Your plant looks amazing though! Do you have any pics of the hillside with all the blooms above the grass? That would be great to see!

[Rosim_in_BR]

Originally Posted by isurus79

Bummer about the wild habitat of this great little species being destroyed. Your plant looks amazing though! Do you have any pics of the hillside with all the blooms above the grass? That would be great to see!

Steve, at that time digital cameras did not exist ! I remember I took a few shots, but need to look for the photos (don't know if I have them still). If I find, I scan and post.

[snow]

all too often we hear these type of stories. very sad. glad you got one. i,m sure under you,re care, there will be hills full of them again. tall order.
now for the dunb question of the day. ''what are.?rupecolous? i,ve meant to ask that many times already.

[orchidbingo]

Beautiful Mauro! I see a hillside of yellow daffodils each spring and they are a delight. A hillside of yellow Laelia crispatas must have been awesome.

bingo

[Rosim_in_BR]

Originally Posted by snow

all too often we hear these type of stories. very sad. glad you got one. i,m sure under you,re care, there will be hills full of them again. tall order.
now for the dunb question of the day. ''what are.?rupecolous? i,ve meant to ask that many times already.

Rupicolous (or lithophytes) Laelias are those species that grow exclusively on rock outcrops, often mixed with grasses or other small vegetation.

[kinknstein]

Beautiful Mauro! Too bad about the wild plants...