Caularthron bicornutum - Orchid Board

Rosim_in_BR · #1 09-05-2007, 12:38 PM

This time my plant is not blooming well because just when the buds were developing a cold wave hit the region blasting several and burning the tips of others. This is well known for the hollow pseudo bulbs having a small hole at the base allowing fire ants to get in make their nests inside. The plant gives shelter and the ants repay with protection. Two famous hybrids using this species is Caulaelia Snowflake, a primary using Laelia albida, and Iwanagaara Appleblossom.

cb977 · #2 09-06-2007, 12:37 PM

Funny you should post this one!
I am on a mission to get one and just yesterday asked one of my grower-friends if he had any but he didn't

I'll have to keep looking...I just LOVE it!

I see you mention Iwan Apple Blossom...is the fragrance anything similar? Apple Blossom's fragrance is my all-time absolute favorite!!!

Dorothy · #3 09-06-2007, 02:55 PM

I am surprised they don't consider it a myrmecophilia like the schomburgkia which also houses ants. It is said that the ants help to keep predators from attacking the plant.

Rosim_in_BR · #4 09-09-2007, 03:49 PM

That's really a good question! Why not Myrmecophilla?

Rosim_in_BR · #5 09-09-2007, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cb977

I see you mention Iwan Apple Blossom...is the fragrance anything similar? Apple Blossom's fragrance is my all-time absolute favorite!!!

They seem to be similar to me, but not the same.
Hope you can find a plant of Caularthron for your collection, Susanne. Good luck with your search!

Tindomul · #6 09-10-2007, 12:00 PM

Very nice flowers!! I really like it. However, what is to protect you from the fire ants?

Rosim_in_BR · #7 09-10-2007, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tindomul1of9

However, what is to protect you from the fire ants?

The house is prepared, the doors (holes!!) are open and I am very happy that the nearby ants didn't discover my plant yet!

gmdiaz · #8 09-10-2007, 12:38 PM

Well, those fire ants could present a real problem sniffing the blooms I suspect!

I grew up in Texas where the fire ant is king. . .oooh, they've got a whopper of a sting. YOW!

Dang, sometimes it's hard to just all get along. LOL

As always, your collection is magnificent and your photos are wonderful! Love to listen to you talk about their culture. . .love to hear about the scent.

Rosim_in_BR · #9 09-10-2007, 12:54 PM

It is my pleasure, Gmdiaz. It is nice for me too to know a little bit more of what orchid friends grow and think outside my country.

pheli · #10 09-10-2007, 10:16 PM

Pretty blooms. This warm grower usually shed its leaves in cold days and become ugly plant.