Encyclia cordigera
The top left picture is of a specimen
from Oaxaca state, perhaps its most northern range.
The top right picture is a comparison of the Oaxacan clone with the more common
pink form found from Chiapas through Central America to northern South America.
The bottom left picture is of a clone from the central pacific coast of Chiapas
growing on a small oak tree. There seems to be a great variation in form within
its range in Mexico, but insufficient to warrant a new species (or is there?).
For all of you old timer orchid growers, you first knew this species as
Epidendrum atropurpureum. Well, it changed to Encyclia cordigera many, many
years ago. One of the most popular of all Encyclias, mainly because of its
fragrance and large bright lip, easy to grow and bloom. It is a definite spring
bloomer in the wild, from mid February until May.
This species grows well under Cattleya conditions and even higher light
intensity. Despite its location along the west coast, this species does not
require a rest period in the springtime. Given ample water, light and
temperature, it will continue to grow throughout the year. They are also very
fast to raise from seed, requiring only two years from flask to flower.
It is very adaptable and very desirable to have in any collection.