Encyclia atrorubens

This Encyclia is one of the most spectacular species endemic to Mexico.  The flower spike may reach 8 feet with up to 150 flowers on it.  The plants are very similar to Encyclia meliosma but very often have a dark purplish cast, despite being grown in low light.  The come from a relatively small area in the State of Guerrero and are found growing mostly on low scrubby thorny vegetation.  The main distinction Weyman uses to separate diota from atrorubens is the bloom season.  Atrorubens blooms in October mainly, while diota blooms in February and March.  This plant grows alongside Mesoglossum londesboroughianum, Barkeria scandens, Encyclia adenocaula and Encyclia baculus.