Phragmipedium fischeri
 

My Phrag. fischeri just bloomed. It's a first time blooming, and has great color. The only thing wierd about this one is the staminodial shield. This one lacks the great shield. The horn, typically found on this species, is very elongated, to 6mm long.

Phrag. fischeri is found in Maldonado, Ecuador (new populations in that area have been reported to be found). This species was originally imported by Jerry Fischer as Phrag. schlimii, but when it bloomed in cultivation, it turned out to be something different. The plant was soon described by Braem and Mohr on Sept. 24, 1996.

The interesting characteristics of this species include a smaller growth habit than Phrag. schlimii, a staminodial shield with a horn, flowers, inflorescence, and ovaries with purple coloration (instead of green found in Phrag. schlimii), and being self-pollinating. The overall plant does not look like it's close relative Phrag. schlimii, but they both are very similar.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...rchids2298.jpg

-PM

Great color Pat - the petals and sepal look ivory flushed with rose at my end. Kinda weird about the shield. Do you think it is because of it being first bloom.

Thanks! I fixed the picture so that it has true color everywhere, especially the flower.

As for the odd staminodial shield, it most likely will be that way each blooming on the plant. It reminds of Phrag. exstaminodium... ;)

-Pat

Very nice Pat. Thats great that you include facts about the origin and such.

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:
That is a 5 banana flower!!! Yo! Now think I will pot a bunch of my ludisias up together so I will have some roooom!:idea:
Where did I see this one for sale?:dumb:

A very beautiful and enchanting flower. I appreciate the story you told of it's history, thank you.

Thanks all! :) This one is able to grow warmer and drier, but it's relative Phrag. schlimii, you would kill the plant.

(these would normally be offered by Jerry Fischer at OL, but now you can find some in other places)

-Pat

Dr. Robert Jan Quene mentioned to me that the issue with the staminode is extremely common amongst Phrag. fischeri. Mine was the same way, as have been most I have seen.

Nice little species. :)

If you like fischerii, you should hold out for Phrag Pink Panther, the cross of schlimii and fischerii. Apparently, it's much easier to grow, much more vigorous, and it looks like this:

click for link

The only downside is that they're all sold out right now, but they claim they may have more available this summer. One can only hope.

nice fischerii though Pat! I almost bought one from orchids limited, but decided to hold out for the hybrid.