Phragmipedium fischeri

[Mahon]

My Phrag. fischeri just bloomed. It's a first time blooming, and has great color. The only thing wierd about this one is the staminodial shield. This one lacks the great shield. The horn, typically found on this species, is very elongated, to 6mm long.

Phrag. fischeri is found in Maldonado, Ecuador (new populations in that area have been reported to be found). This species was originally imported by Jerry Fischer as Phrag. schlimii, but when it bloomed in cultivation, it turned out to be something different. The plant was soon described by Braem and Mohr on Sept. 24, 1996.

The interesting characteristics of this species include a smaller growth habit than Phrag. schlimii, a staminodial shield with a horn, flowers, inflorescence, and ovaries with purple coloration (instead of green found in Phrag. schlimii), and being self-pollinating. The overall plant does not look like it's close relative Phrag. schlimii, but they both are very similar.



-PM