Help Me ID This Orchid

[christinapastina]

Hello,
I'm a new member and was hoping to find some help in identifying an orchid I have. It was given to me by a neighbor several years ago, and was told very little about it. I've been growing orchids for many years. I've been to orchid shows and nurseries and I've scoured the internet, and I've yet to find another one like this one.
What's most unique is the size. I have the pot on the ground because it is so heavy, and even though it is on the ground, I have to look up to see the flowers when it blooms! It is that tall. Over 6'.
Is there anyone out there who can offer any kind of info?
I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks, Chris

[MrHappyRotter]

I'm guessing it is Myrmecophila tibicinis. Could be a hybrid of it or a closely related species. Maybe a Schomburgkia, which is a very closely allied genus (I think, I'm not up to date on the taxonomic shake-up in this group).

Schomburgkia is renown for the extremely long flower spikes. Myrmecophila are famous for the fact that they are ant symbiotes.

[christinapastina]

Originally Posted by MrHappyRotter

I'm guessing it is Myrmecophila tibicinis. Could be a hybrid of it or a closely related species. Maybe a Schomburgkia, which is a very closely allied genus (I think, I'm not up to date on the taxonomic shake-up in this group).

Schomburgkia is renown for the extremely long flower spikes. Myrmecophila are famous for the fact that they are ant symbiotes.

Wow, you are spot on! I've looked at some pics, and that is absolutely what I have. Myrmecophila tibicinis. Thank you so much for your help. I no longer have to wonder.

[MrHappyRotter]

Originally Posted by christinapastina

Wow, you are spot on! I've looked at some pics, and that is absolutely what I have. Myrmecophila tibicinis. Thank you so much for your help. I no longer have to wonder.

You're welcome. I/we can't be 100% certain on the ID, but it's close enough. Schomburgkias and Mermecophhilias aren't necessarily rare in the trade, but they're not exactly common among typical orchid growers, namely because of those long spikes. However, I assume they're more popular in places where orchids can be grown outdoors year round, and you usually see them in conservatories and/or orchid nurseries.

[Roberta]

Are there any species in Schomburgkia any more? I think they're all either Laelia most of them) or Myrmecophila (the ones with thick pseudobulbs... that are hollow and in nature, home for ants)... But I agree, this sure looks a lot like Myrmecophila tibicinis.