Nicaragua orchid ID please

[burgirog]

I found this orchid growing on a lava field on Masaya volcano, Nicaragua (Lat 12 degN, Long 086 degW Alt 900ft). Can anyone identify it please? Sorry it's over-exposed!
Thanks, Muriel

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Bletia sp.

Probably Bletia florida, or Bletia purpurata, can't see the lip clearly.

[burgirog]

Thank you King of orchid growing for your response. Can you tell me what the difference is between Bletia florida and Bletia purpurata? Burgirog

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by burgirog

Thank you King of orchid growing for your response. Can you tell me what the difference is between Bletia florida and Bletia purpurata? Burgirog

First thing's first...

I made a mistake in the spelling of one of the Bletia names.

It's Bletia purpurea not Bletia purpurata.

My mistake, I apologize.

Secondly, I'd have a hard time describing the difference, so I'll show you pictures instead.

Bletia purpurea:

Bletia purpurea close on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Bletia florida:

IOSPE PHOTOS

Pay attention to the differences in the lip. There are other differences too, such as color patterns, etc.

From a side-by-side comparison, Bletia purpurea looks like it has a lighter pink colored flower with a big wash of magenta on the bottom half of each lateral sepal.

Bletia florida is more uniform magenta with light pink on the lateral sepals where the lip connects with the sepals.

[burgirog]

Many thanks for the photos, they were helpful. I think it is more likely to be the purpurea going by the colouration. I am very pleased to have found out what it is. Thank you.

Burgirog