Encyclia kienastii

The illusive, but not extinct! Encyclia kienastii.  The plant habit tends to lean in appearance towards a Barkeria, but the flower, looks like an Encyclia guadalupae and about the same size.  How about a new word, Epidendrummy would more aptly describe the flower shape.  It comes from one area alone as far as Weyman knows, near the microwave tower on the road to Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca.  Elevation appx. 4-5000 feet.  It is not common.  A lady has, or had, a few plants in Sola de Vega, just before you took the bridge across the river to head up the mountains from Sola de Vega.  These are bait for orchid collectors who seek this rarity and a few others which populate the local mountainsides.  This lady's son, is or was, the head of the municipio (county) and well informed of the orchid hunters interest in this area.  He is a pretty amicable fellow, try contacting him and arranging your visit with an escort.  There is a lot to see and easily accessible from the highway.