The bloody red Sophronitis coccinea
 

This is perhaps one of the most known orchids among growers and especially among hybridizers for its striking color, not to mention the large flower compared to the plant. I acquired this seedling that resulted from selfing a selected plant found in the coastal mountains of the State of Espirito Santo, in Brazil. Not bad for the first generation in domestic cultivation.
The city of Santo André, where I live, is scarce 10 miles away from the habitat of this species. In the 80's a highway cut the habitat and we used to go see it in bloom in August. It was thousands and thousands and thousands of brilliant red dots on the trees, no matter what direction you looked at, as if the trees were all dressed up of small red Christmas lights. You can use words to describe what was seen, but no words are available to transmit the enchantment of that vision. Those scenes are forever impressed in my mind!
Then progress quickly showed its dark face. With that highway cutting the habitat, year after year the plants began to disappear. As if someone turned the lights off, by the end of the 80's, believe me, not a single plant of Sophronitis could be found anymore through the 15 miles of that highway. I went back there many times in the 90's and never saw not even a single plant of Sophronitis, with or without bloom.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2643/...0156a971_t.jpg

Thats awful Mauro! But on the bright side you have one gorgeous plant!! Thanks for the info!

OHM that is sad! Someone needs a wake up call! Your brilliantly red Sophronitis is gorgeous, though. :)

Sometimes I wonder if the price of 'progress' is too high. Sad story, but lovely plant, Mauro.

Kim

So sad to hear they are gone along that highway. I hope there is still some hidden place where they can still thrive.

Your cultivated plant is just wonderful. Such a great red colour.

Dear Mauro,

Can you give us the probable cause for the disappearance? Was it people collecting them or was it a change in the local ecology due to the highway? In cloud forest in the Andes just building the road is enough to effect the ecology - moisture sensitive genera like Lepanthes won't be found along the roadside while other, "tougher" genera do just fine.

I do know there wasa time when Sophronitis coccinea was being collected by the thousands for export, especially to Japan.

Eric

gorgeous plant... sad story that happens quite often... :(

People avid for easy profit, Eric, collected the plants. Rumors are that a certain nursery owner used to organize and guide 'photographic' safaris of Japenese 'tourists' during the Sophro flowering time in the area... anyway, not only Sophros disappeared but also Zygopetalums, Maxillarias, bushes and bushes of terrestrial Epidendrums, Vanilla, Pleurothallis, Oncidiums. Despite the ecologic impact caused by the highway, human hands devastated the area.

Absolutely Gorgeous Mauro!! I wish so badly that something could be done to stop the destruction of orchid habitats! its so sad and heartbreaking. I just dont think humans will be able to stop it.

Amazing plant! great growing as always keep it up! i love your posts!
~Sam

Fabulous plant & flower! extremely striking. I agree with all the above comments ref: Sad humans...
Thank you for your beautiful picture and expanding my knowledge!