Den nobile, the species -
 

As much as I like the nobile hybrids, I love the simple beauty of the species. They just seem so fragile when in fact they are a tough old bird.

Wow, the species certainly is gorgeous!! I think it's the first time I've seen a photo of one, usually all you really see are the hybrids

That is why I grow alot of species. We are making so many hybrids, that is all the majority of the general public knows. Meanwhile we are losing more and more wild habitat everyday killing off species that we haven't even seen yet. It's just my little way of making sure that not all species disappear.

Gorgeous flowers and photos, Glen.

Just had to say that I like your way of reasoning and congrats on a gorgeous species den. :)

Thanks Camille, Ron and Mutant, your comments are always welcome and appreciated.

Love the colors.

Thanks Josh, the species is pretty variable in that the amount of color varies from plant to plant but the color combination stays the same white, purple and black. There are other varieties also: var virginalis is obviously all white and var cooksonianum differs from the species type in that the petals lay flat ontop of the sidelobes of the lip and has much more purple on the petals.

Nice one, Glen !!!

I also have the species, and it looks pretty much identical - great little plants. :) I didn't "neglect" mine enough over the winter, so I got quite a few keikis. Not that I'm complaining... :)

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