Cattleya mossiae in Venezuela?
 

Hi all, I was just looking through old photos and found these pictures I had taken at my grandmother's house in Caracas, Venezuela in 2006 before I really knew anything about orchids. Sorry if they're a little blurry, apparently I didn't know anything about photography at the time either LOL.

My grandmother had a huge garden with just about anything you can imagine: mango, avocado, banana, coffee and lime trees, and a million other awesome tropical plants. She passed away last May and I guess passed on her love of orchids to me. I started collecting them about 2 months later. Anyway I thought it would be nice to share these with you guys.

I might be wrong but these look like C. mossiae to me, but maybe I want them to be because it happens to be Venezuela's national flower as well. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8513/8...0ff546f41e.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8516/8...7f21ac9690.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8371/8...9300824ce5.jpg

My first impression is to name it Cattleya gaskelliana, "una Caripena", as I think Venezolanos call it. I'd say the yellow throat and lilac spot in the lip are typical.

I think you're probably right, and obviously I'll never know for sure, I'm pretty sure they're not labeled. Maybe next time I visit I can bring one back with me. Does anyone know what is needed to bring back an orchid from another country?

First and foremost is a required cites permit. I think you can hire a brooker to guide you through the process. It's a hassle!

Besides Cites you also need a phytosanitary attest. I think it would be easier to select a potted plant inside your country. Either you order via internet or you visit an orchid show.
Maybe a vendor from Venezuela is going to attend an orchid show (for example Miami) and is willing to import plants and do the paperwork for you, if you ask. Its much better to import plants in spring or early summer.