Encyclia randii var. rondoniensis

[Rosim_in_BR]

Encyclia randii is a Brazilian species from the west Amazon region. At first sight the flowers could be confused with Encyclia cordigera, but a close examination wipes out any possible doubt. Randii has smaller pseudobulbs than cordigera and, as well as the leaves, they are not clean green, being heavily flushed of purple, which gives the entire plant a dull green-purple color. On a well-grown, mature plant the flowers can be impressive and as large as 2.5”. Sepals and petals tend to be dark olive green contrasting intensely with the white, purple striped lip. They are perfumed too. Although so beautiful as it is, I guess it is not known, or, at least, often seen outside my country.

[pheli]

Gorgeous. Encyclia randii is indeed nobler than E. cordigera.
Several years ago, some randii were imported from H&R nursery and therefore, some people here also grow them.
Here are photos of randii from my friend, Wang's website
¾Ç****** ¦W

[Rosim_in_BR]

Originally Posted by pheli

...Here are photos of randii from my friend, Wang's website
¾Ç****** ¦W

Your friend's plant is very nice, Pheli!

[cb977]

Lovely!
You're so right...I thought Encyclia cordigera when I looked at the picture...what do I know?

[Rosim_in_BR]

Originally Posted by cb977

Lovely!
You're so right...I thought Encyclia cordigera when I looked at the picture...what do I know?

Don't worry, Susanne! Given the resemblance, this is perfectly understandable!

[Shirley]

I have one of these also but it is still a young plant. It's taken quite a while to establish itself but now seems to be doing well. Does it need many growths before it will flower? I have bloomed a cordigera and, if this is nicer, I'm wondering how long I will have to wait!

Shirley