Almost albino Prosthechea vespa

[Rosim_in_BR]

The orchid lover likes everything of different he/she can get his/her hands on, isn't it true? This is an albescens variety of a plant that I suppose is not well known outside my country. I also grow a completely albino variety. Prosthechea vespa, formerly known as Encyclia vespa, has comparatively small flowers for the size of the plant, as can be seen in one of the photos, but it doesn't matter. It has its own beauty. For comparison, I'm posting it side by side with the type of the species.

[smweaver]

Hello, Mauro. Yes, you are correct. We seem to take delight in novelty when it comes to orchids. Is the albescens variety of that species as fragrant as the standard variety? I really like all of the similar species that were transferred from the Encyclia genus.

Steve

[Tindomul]

Curious. Does the species epithet stand for wasp? The flower kind of looks like a wasp.

[Rosim_in_BR]

Originally Posted by smweaver

Is the albescens variety of that species as fragrant as the standard variety?
Steve

Hi, Steve, yes it is very, very fragrant! In fact, to my nose, it seems much more fragrant than the type, especially at noon. Getting in the grh, the first thing you notice is that perfume!

Originally Posted by Tindomul1of9

Curious. Does the species epithet stand for wasp? The flower kind of looks like a wasp.

That's exactly it, Tindo. Vespa stands for wasp.

[gmdiaz]

Really love the alba variety!

I didn't know vespa stands for wasp! Coolio.

[Tindomul]

I had a strong feeling as the spanish word for Wasp is Avispa. Very similar. Thanks Mauro!