Psychopsis Mariposa

[smartie2000]

My Psychopsis Mariposa ‘Green Valley’ finally opened it's first bloom I don't know exactly what 'Green Valley' is supposed to look like because they vary so much in all the pictures I have searched, in shape, colour and patterning. I think mine might be a selfing of 'Green Valley' or a mutated mericlone (or maybe everyone elses are?). I don't know how much each blooming can vary yet. Mine has 8 inch leaves so the plant isn't too large.

It's second spike is growing quite fast and I think there will a third one coming

It's fasinating watching them open! From what I observed, the three long antenna-like parts at the top are reduced sepals. And the two spotted parts on the side are petals, which have been modified to act like a sepal in the bud, since they are now the outermost part of the bud. Very interesting flower anatomy! If I can find a peloric one, my anatomy can be verified, since petals would be replaced with lips or vice versa (lips are modified petals).

I can see why they are called butterfly orchids now... It's column looks like a bug!