It was in bloom on a vendor's table. I bought it as it was cute as a bug. Of course, the vendor was "oh, this one is SO EASY"....I should know so much better, by now ..but, my purchase is proof that I am a sucker for a pretty plant. I can find some spotty info on Ionopsis utricularioides, which is the species that most resembles my plant in growth form and flower. Thanks for any info.
They are Oncidiums. Six sympodial epiphytes found in a widespread area of low to mid elevation hardwood forests from the southeastern US (Florida), Cuba to Trinidad, the Guianas, Venezuela, Mexico to the Bolivia, Paraguay and the Galapagos Islands. My book (Dictionary of Orchid Genera) does not list your particular plant. The name is Greek for violet and appearance or likeness. Refers to a fancied resemblance of the form and color of these flowers to violets.
Sounds like something relatively easy to grow IMHO.
Beverly A.
Thanks for the input. The nifty thing about this cultivar is that the flowers are anywhere from lavender to pink to a creamy yellow. It's quite pretty to look at.
The closest name among registered hybrids seems to be Ionocidum Haruri. Or I could guess it is an unregistered hybrid of Ionopsis x Howeara and your label is missing some info.
You could be right on that. It matches IOSPE's description of the species Ionopsis pretty closely, but I couldn't find the hybrid name or any history on it!