Unknown Gongora sp
 

So the last time I was at Tropical Orchid Farm (this past May) there was this Gongora blooming (one of dozens I might add!) that was really cool so I asked if I could buy a division. Jeff was kind enough to agree and sold me a peice of this Gongora that he said was an unknown species from Peru. After about a week in my care, it threw out a new growth, followed quickly by a spike and then another spike. Ive posted pics here for our resident Gongora experts to guess as to what species this is because I have NO CLUE!! lol The first 2 pics show the growth habit of the plant and inflorescence and also shows this plant's neighbor, a Gongora escobariana that is now blooming on its 3rd spike this year. The escobariana has a typical "orchidy" smell and is VERY VERY strong, while the unknown species has more of a "spicy" smell. I wish I could describe smells better for you! The next pic was taken with a flash, the fourth pic was with some sunlight and the fifth pic was no flash and no direct sun. Any thoughts or suggestions as to the species are most appreciated!! Thanks!

Really? Nobody has any clue about this one?? Did I stump the OB?! lol I guess that kind of cool in itself!

I think it may be Gongora rufescens, not sure though. It's a really nice one, though!

-PM

From now on, if I encounter an orchid that I cant quite figure out, Im just gonna PM Mahon!! This one looks quite a bit like rufescens. I was using Rod Rice's "Gongorana" to try and figure this one out, but I checked IOSPE after Mahon's suggestion and VOILA!! Rufescens!! Thanks for the heads up!!