Masdevallia constrictaIt is not hard to see how this Masdevallia got its name. The elegantly compressed sepaline tube is very distinct and somewhat reminiscent of a swan’s neck. Although I find the shape curiously intriguing, what is most impressive about this species is the sheer size of the flower in comparison to the plant.  The flower is held well above the leaves and the long and graceful sepaline tails span far beyond the foliage of the plant itself. The last photo below illustrates this rather beautifully.

Masdevallia constricta is a small epiphyte from the wet mountain forests of Ecuador and Peru where it grows at altitudes of 1200 to 1800 meters. I got this division in bloom from a good friend last fall and it is now blooming again for the first time. I grow it mounted on EpiWeb in the cool vivarium in medium light and high humidity. Seems to be a quite easy Masdevallia to grow and I really like it a lot.

Masdevallia constrictaMasdevallia constricta