Cynoches, male or female flower?

[Connie Star]

I know this is Cynoches, and that unlike most orchids the flowers are either male or female. Does anyone know which one this is? I bought it in bud at an orchid show here in Costa Rica. They had a not-for-sale sample of one in flower, but this flower I think is different. I suspect it is female but would like to know for sure. It is about 4" across.

[Roberta]

Can you show a side view of the flower? Take a look at Cycnoches chlorochilon on orchidspecies.com (I think this is closely related to that one, similar form - not necessarily that species) That particular entry shows both male and female flowers. Unlike Catasetum, where the two genders look like different species, one group of of Cycnoches (eu-Cycnoches) has male and female flowers that are not drastically different, and yours is in that group I think. (Heteranthe is the other group of Cycnoches, where the male and female flowers are very different.

Here is a link with some examples
Brazilian Orchids - Orchid News Edicao Especial/Special Edition - WOC 23 - Miami

[WaterWitchin]

No knowledge to share. Just wanted to shout out What a beautiful flower!

[Connie Star]

Here is a side view of the flower. T
The species in question is native to Costa Rica, or so I was told, and to a seasonally very dry part called Guanacaste.
Thanks for you help.

[Roberta]

I think it is male.. Not sure of the technical term, but the structure that holds the reproductive parts of the male flower is thinner and longer than that of the female flower but otherwise the flowers look similar. It might be Cyc. warszewiczii

Remember, the sex of the flower is a characteristic of that flower, not of the plant, which can produce either sex or both. And while more ideal conditions may produce more females, there is not a clear "do this and get that" method that you can follow to produce one or the other... just enjoy.

[Connie Star]

Thanks for the info. This has been very helpful.