Last update: 17 August, 2002
This is a fascinating group of orchids, and shows some of the most attractive yet bizarre forms of flowers to be seen in an already bizarre family. They are epiphytic and without pseudobulbs, the leaves forming dense clusters on tree branches. The leaves may have a short stalk or petiole. The plants themselves are fairly tough, but I have found to my cost that they cannot tolerate wet feet. Therefore you will need to ensure that although they do not dry out completely, they are not allowed to stand in water. Good air movement is also important to them which, in the confines of a vivarium, may be difficult to achieve. They would, however, be well worth the effort. |
Many of these species tend to be high altitude plants, and so may not adapt well to high temperatures. M. attenuata, for example, is found at around 1400 meters and would normally be subjected to temperatures in the range of 14°-24°C (57°-74°F). M. lata on the other hand, is subject to a range of 19°-33°C (66°-91°F).
The flowers are usually in the form of a tube, and some may be quite large for the size of the plant. If you are looking for a group of orchids in which to specialise, then the Masdevallias are the ideal plants.
This is M.
lata. I have found it to be a steady grower, with few
problems. It produces comparatively large flowers for the size of
plant, the sepals having long 'tails' which are normally yellow.
The flower is pale cream.
M.
nicaraguensis is a small plant which produces striped pale pink to
purple flowers that are held just level with or slightly below the top of
the foliage. It is a good grower with few problems.
This is an
example of the very similar Dracula orchids. This species
holds its flowers well above the foliage and is a spectacular
sight. In growth form and in flower the Dracula spp. share
many characteristics with Masdevallia, and they also need similar
growing conditions. The tails, however, are even more pronounced
on these plants. There are four species of Dracula in Costa
Rica. The flowers apparently mimic fungi and attract fungus gnats
that normally lay their eggs on fungi.
