Cattleya amethystoglossa

Taxobox


regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Liliopsida
ordo = Asparagales
familia = Orchidaceae
subfamilia = Epidendroideae
tribus = Epidendreae
subtribus = Laeliinae
alliance = Cattleya
genus = "Cattleya"
species = "C. amethystoglossa"
binomial = "Cattleya amethystoglossa"
binomial_authority = Linden & Rchb.f. ex Warner

"Cattleya amethystoglossa" is a species of orchid from the genus "Cattleya".

This species of "Cattleya" is native to Brazil in the states of Bahia and possibly Espirito Santo, where it is found near sea level in close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. "Cattleya amethystoglossa" grows on palm tree trunks, rock, and large tree branches high in the canopy of evergreen trees. This plant is found growing in bright, airy, humid locations. Its native range has been greatly reduced due to habitat destruction, logging, and agriculture.

"Cattleya amethystoglossa" is a tall plant and has pseudobulbs that grow to 3 feet (1 meter) tall. Each pseudobulb has two (occasionally three) leathery, green leaves at the top. This species is in the Bifoliate division of Cattleyas.

The flowers of "Cattleya amethystoglossa" grow to 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter. Flowers are produced on terminal flower stems that develop at the apex of the pseudobulb. The unbranched inflorescence produces between ten and 30 blooms. "Cattleya amethystoglossa" is fragrant. The petals and sepals are light lavender to pale rose in color with mauve or magenta spotting. The amount of spotting varies widely between individuals with some individuals demonstrating few spots. The lip is bright magenta in color and partially wraps around the column. The throat varies in color from white to pale yellow or gold. Flowers are produced from late fall to early spring.

"Cattleya amethystoglossa" grows best in intermediate or warm growing conditions.

This species is closely related to "Cattleya guttata" in many ways but differs in flower color and other minor botanical details. There have been a few coerulea and alba forms found in the wild.

There are several synonyms for this species: "Cattleya amethystoglossa" var. "lilacina", "Cattleya guttata keteleerii", "Cattleya guttatta lilacina", "Cattleya guttata prinzii", "Cattleya guttata" var. "prinzii", "Cattleya purpurina", "Epidendrum amethestoglosum", "Epidendrum elatius" var. "prinzii".

References

*Denson, John (June 2008). Cattleya amethystoglossa. Cattleya Orchid Source. Retrieved on 2008-06-12. [http://www.geocities.com/cattleyasource/cattleya_species_pages/Cattleya_AMETHYSTOGLOSSA_species.html]
*Pfahl, Jay (May 2008). Cattleya amethystoglossa. ISOPE. Retrieved on 2008-06-12. [http://www.orchidspecies.com/cattamethystoglossa.htm]
*Withner, Carl L. (1988). The Catttleya and their relatives, Vol 1. Portland, Oregon: Timber Press.