Yes, despite the myriad of hybrids, I feel that we often forget the Oncidium species out there. Here is one,
Oncidium maculatum, from Mexico.
Some etymology: The Latin
maculatum means 'spotted', which is the same root as our word 'im
maculate' meaning 'unspotted' or 'untainted' as we use it today. So the common name for this plant would be 'the spotted Oncidium'.
I just got this plant three months ago, so I can't really take credit for the flowers. I was thrilled when the plant began to spike only a few weeks after I brought it home, though! Credit goes to Russ at New Vision Orchids for growing this beauty. Here's hoping I can keep it happy.
The flowers are larger than expected, about 6-7cm across. They have a nice fragrance that reminds me of tropical fruit—papaya, banana, guava, mango—something like that. And it is fragrant from sunrise until sunset, unlike my other Oncidiums, which tend to shut down their perfume factories in the early afternoon.
Enjoy the photos, and my apologies for the bluish colored light. I didn't bother to turn off the growlamp.
Oncidium maculatum - a handsome species
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