Rhynchostele (Baker)

Rhynchostele
General Information
SUBFAMILY: Vandoideae TRIBE: Maxillarieae SUBTRIBE: Oncidiinae GENUS: Rhynchostele Rchb. f.
AKA: Fourteen species now in this genus were formerly included in Odon- toglossum and were mostly known as the
Mexican odontoglossums. These plants were moved to the genus Cymbiglossum by Halbinger in 1983, but there was a
taxonomic problem with the genus name, so in 1984, they were moved to the genus Lemboglossum by Halbinger. Then
in 1993, they were moved to Rhynchostele when the Mexican taxonomists Miguel Soto Arenas and Gerardo A. Salazar
determined that there were too few differences between the species in Lemboglossum and the earlier named
Rhynchostele pygmaea to maintain them in separate genera. As the earlier genus name, Rhynchostele, had priority
over Lemboglossum, the taxonomic rules of nomenclature dictated that the older name should be used for this group of
plants. To make a confusing situation worse, many growers did not notice the name change at the time, so the name
Lemboglossum is still commonly used, and a few growers and orchid retailers even continue to call these plants
odontoglossums.
SPECIES: There are now 16 species included in this genus.
ORIGIN/HABITAT: Plants in this genus are found in Mexico and Central America. Most grow in the cool, moist, higher
elevations in mountain regions, but a couple of the species are found in warmer conditions at lower elevations. Growers
should check the individual species listings to determine the specific habitat for each species.
CLIMATE: Most of the plants in this genus require cool conditions, but some require more intermediate temperatures.
Growers should check the individual species listings for the specific climatic conditions required by each species.
Cultural Recommendations
LIGHT: 1800-2500 fc. Rather low light is suggested, and it should be filtered or dappled. Direct midday sun may damage
the plant. Strong air movement should be provided at all times.
TEMPERATURES: See individual species listings for specific requirements for each species. For the most part, these are
cooler-growing species requiring average maximum temperatures in summer below 75-80°F (24-28°C). They may
tolerate brief periods of temperatures warmer than those indicated in the climate table if humidity is high, if air
movement is strong, and if the plant is able to cool down at night. If an evaporative cooler is used in the growing area,
however, these plants probably are healthier if they are placed in the cool, moist airflow from the cooler. This is
especially true for those species requiring daily maximum temperatures significantly cooler than 75°F (24°C).
Many of the cooler-growing species occasionally experience brief periods of below-freezing temperatures in nature. In
cultivation, these plants probably are healthier if not exposed to such extremes. If they are sub jected to cold
temperatures, however, their chance of survival with minimal damage is much better if they are dry at the time.
HUMIDITY: See individual species listings for specific requirements for each species.
WATER: See individual species listings for specific requirements for each species. Although these plants all require heavy
watering when actively growing, their roots should be able to dry fairly rapidly after watering, and conditions around the
roots must never be allowed to become stale or soggy FERTILIZER: 14-!4 recommended strength, applied weekly when
plants are actively growing. Many growers prefer to use a balanced fertilizer throughout the year; but others use a high-
nitrogen fertilizer from spring to midsummer, then switch to one high in phosphates in late summer and autumn.
REST PERIOD: See individual species listings for specific requirements for each species. Because new growths of many
species may be susceptible to rot care should be taken to ensure that water does not lodge in the expanding young tip,
especially if humidity is high so that evaporation is slow. If rot in the new growths is a problem, it can be prevented
most of the time by spraying a mixture of fungicide into the tube formed by the young leaves.
GROWING MEDIA: Good aeration around the roots is very important. In fact these plants generally die if the roots are overly
wet or if the medium becomes stale or soggy. Plants grow well when tightly mounted to a treefern slab, but humidity
must be high and plants need at least daily watering in summer. During particularly hot, dry periods, mounted plants
may need several waterings a day. Most growers find it difficult to provide sufficient humidity and water for mounted
plants in summer, so they most often are grown in baskets of small, shallow pots. Containers should be filled with a
medium that drains rapidly but still retains water without becoming soggy. Successful growers usually use a medium
based on small- to medium-sized fir bark or tree-fern fiber mixed with varying percentages of other materials such as
perlite, charcoal, oyster shell, and chopped sphagnum. Excellent drainage, is extremely important. When potting,
growers often suggest placing a layer of larger-sized fir bark, or whatever is used for potting, in the bottom of the pot to
improve aeration and reduce the risk of the medium becoming soggy. Relatively small, shallow pots such as those that
are one-half the depth of normal containers generally produce the best results. The pot should be only large enough to
hold the roots and allow an additional 1-2 years’ growth. Plants cannot tolerate even slightly stale conditions around
their roots, better results usually are obtained if they are repotted every year. Repot ting is best done just as new roots
are starting to grow. This enables the plant to reestablish itself more quickly.
NOTES: Careful attention should be given to providing at least an approximation of the cultural conditions suggested by the
climate table provided with each species.
Plant and Flower Information
PLANT SIZE AND TYPE: See the following Species Culture section for specific descriptions of the plants and flowers.
REFERENCES: 123,421,436
Species Culture
Rhynchostele aptera (La Llave & Lexarza) Soto Arenas & Salazar AKA: Cymbiglossum apterum (La
Llave & Lexarza) Halbinger, Lemboglossum apterum (La Llave & Lexarza) Halbinger, Odontoglossum apterum La Llave &
Lexarza, Odontoglossum maxillare Lindley, Odontoglossum nebulosum Lindley, Oncidium anceps Beer
ORIGIN/HABITAT: Mexico. This orchid is found in the states of Oaxaca, Guerrero, Mexico, Morelos, Michoacan, Jalisco, and
Durango. Plants usually grow on Pacific-facing slopes, but they are also found further inland. Rhynchostele aptera
grows at 6250-9850 ft. (1900-3000 m) in open, humid, mixed oak or oak-pine forests where clouds, fog, and mist are
common during the long dry season. Rhynchostele aptera often grows near Rhynchostele cervantesii (La Llave &
Lexarza) Soto Arenas & Salazar and Rhynchostele maculata (La Llave & Lexarza) Soto Arenas & Salazar.
CLIMATE: Station #76762, Chilpancingo, Mexico, Lat. 17.6°N, Long. 99.5°W, at 4462 ft. (1360 m). Temperatures are
calculated for an elevation of 8200 ft. (2500 m). Record extreme temperatures are not available forthis location.
N/HEMISPHERE JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
°F AVG MAX 70 72 74 77 77 73 71 71 71 72 72 71
°F AVG MIN 41 43 46 49 51 53 51 51 51 49 45 42
DIURNAL RANGE 29 29 28 28 26 20 20 20 20 23 27 29
RAIN/INCHES 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.9 3.2 5.2 3.5 4.4 1.1 0.1 0.0
HUMIDITY/% N/A
BLOOM SEASON * * * * * * * * * *
DAYS CLR N/A
RAIN/MM 3 3 3 8 23 81 132 89 112 28 3 0
°C AVG MAX 21.1 22.2 23.3 25.0 25.0 22.8 21.6 21.7 21.7 22.2 22.2 21.7
°C AVG MIN 5.0 5.9 7.6 9.3 10.4 11.5 10.4 10.4 10.4 9.3 7.0 5.4
DIURNAL RANGE 16.1 16.3 15.7 15.7 14.6 11.3 11.2 11.3 11.3 12.9 15.2 16.3
S/HEMISPHERE JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
TEMPERATURES: Summer days average 71-73°F (22-23°C), and nights average 51-53°F (10-12°C), with a diurnal range of
20°F (11°C). Spring is the warmest season when days average 74-77°F (23-25°C), and nights warm rapidly to 51°F
(10°C), and the diurnal range is 26-28°F (15-16°C). The habitat extends over a wide range in habitat elevation, so
cultivated plants should adapt to conditions 6-8°F (3-4°C) warmer or cooler than indicated in the climate table.
HUMIDITY: Averages are not available for this location, but records from nearby stations indicate that humidity probably
averages 70-75% most of the year, dropping to near 50% during the dry season in winter and spring. Humidity in the
moist, higher-elevation habitat probably is greater than indicated, however, and humidity in the growing area should be
kept as high as possible without causing an undue amount of late-night condensation.
WATER: Rainfall is moderate to heavy in summer and early autumn, but amounts decrease rapidly at the beginning of the
long dry season that lasts from late autumn through spring. Cultivated plants should be watered often and heavily while
actively growing, but their roots must dry rapidly after watering. Water should be reduced after new growth matures in
autumn.
REST PERIOD: Winter days average 70-72°F (21-22°C), and nights average 41-43°F (5-6°C), with a diurnal range of 29°F
(16°C). Growers are reminded that because of the range in habitat elevations, plants should adapt to conditions 6-8°F
(3-4°C) warmer or cooler than indicated. Although rainfall is very low from late autumn through spring, addi tional
moisture generally is available in the habitat from heavy dew, fog, and mist. Water should be reduced for cultivated
plants in winter, but they should never remain completely without water for long periods. In most growing areas,
somewhat regular early-morning mistings between infrequent light waterings usually provides sufficient moisture.
Wiard (1987) reported that only enough water should be given to these plants in winter to prevent the pseudobulbs
from shriveling. Fertilizer should be eliminated until new growth starts and heavier watering is resumed in spring.
NOTES: The bloom season shown in the climate table is based on cultivation records. In the habitat, these plants bloom on
new growths in late winter and spring while the trees are leafless.

PLANT SIZE AND TYPE: An 8-15 in. (20-39 cm) tall sympodial epiphyte.
PSEUDOBULB/STEM: 2.4-4.3 in. (6-11 cm) long by 1.2-1.4 in. (3.0-3.5 cm) wide. The egg-shaped pseudobulbs are somewhat
compressed and are enclosed at the base by long, triangular, papery sheaths.
LEAVES: 6-12 in. (15-30 cm) long by 1.6-2.4 in. (4-6 cm) wide. There are 2-3 sharply pointed lanceolate leaves carried at the
apex of each pseudobulb. Each leaf has a projecting longitudinal ridge along the centerline on the upper surface and is
folded longitudinally along this ridge for a short distance at the base.
INFLORESCENCE: 5-8 in. (12-20 cm) long. The arching, rather coarse, often zigzag flower spike, which is round and 0.1-0.2
in. (0.3-0.4 cm) in diameter, emerges from the base of the pseudobulb with the new growth.
FLOWERS: 2-5 showy, tissuelike blossoms are attractively spaced along most of the length of each flower spike. They are
rather short-lived, lasting only a week or slightly longer. The flowers are 1.4-2.8 in. (3.5-7.0 cm) across and are white
with roundish spots of brown, light brown, reddish brown, yellowish brown, mustard-yellow, or green. These spots
generally are more dense toward the base of the flower and usually are found on the lower third to half of the sepals and
petals. The broadly based, sharply pointed sepals and petals are about the same length, but the lateral sepals are a little
narrower than the dorsal sepal, while the petals often are somewhat wider. The lip is colored the same as the other
segments, but the spots usually are found over most of the surface instead of on the lower portion. The 3-lobed lip is 1.0-
1.2 in. (2.5-3.0 cm) long, with a triangular to egg-shaped midlobe that is 0.6-0.9 in. (1.5-2.2 cm) long by 0.6-1.0 in. (1.5-
2.5 cm) wide. It is minutely notched or toothlike along the margins, and is sharply pointed at the tip. The extremely
fleshy, bow-shaped callus, which is yellow with red streaks and is joined to the 0.1 in. (0.3 cm) wide claw, is 0.6-0.7 in.
(1.5-1.7 cm) long. The edges of the callus are raised to form a boat shape, while the central portion terminates in 2
divergent teeth. The slender, bow-shaped, white column is about 0.8 in. (2 cm) long and is widened but not winged
opposite the stigma. Each flower produces 2 hard pollinia.
REFERENCES: 184,185,186,195,276,421
Rhynchostele bictoniensis (Bateman ex Lindley) Soto Arenas & Salazar

AKA: Cyrtochilum bictoniense Bateman, Odontoglossum bictoniense (Bateman) Lindley, Cymbiglossum bictoniense
(Bateman) Halbinger, Lembo- glossum bictoniense (Bateman) Halbinger, Zygopetalum africanum Hooker
ORIGIN/HABITAT: Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador. In Mexico, these plants are found in the states of Chiapas and
Veracruz where they grow mostly as terrestrials or lithophytes in humid mixed forests at 5900-9200 ft. (1800-2800 m)
but are also sometimes found growing epiphytically. In Guatemala, plants growing as epiphytes, terrestrials, and
lithophytes have been collected in humid forests from numerous locations at elevations up to 10,500 ft. (3200 m). In El
Salvador, plants have been found growing as terrestrials at 5250-5900 ft. (16001800 m).
CLIMATE: Station #78641, Guatemala City, Guatemala, Lat. 14.6°N, Long. 90.5°W, at 4885 ft. (1489 m). Temperatures are
calculated for an elevation of 7550 ft. (2300 m), resulting in probable extremes of 79°F (26°C) and 32°F (0°C).
N/HEMISPHERE JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
°F AVG MAX 63 65 68 71 70 67 68 68 66 63 63 62
°F AVG MIN 43 44 46 49 51 50 50 50 50 48 46 45
DIURNAL RANGE 20 21 22 22 19 17 18 18 16 15 17 17
RAIN/INCHES 0.1 0.0 0.7 0.8 4.5 10.0 11.0 9.0 10.4 4.1 0.6 0.6
HUMIDITY/% 75 72 74 73 74 81 77 81 84 80 78 77
BLOOM SEASON *** *** ** * * * * * ** **• *** ***
DAYS CLR @ 6AM 10 8 12 5 2 1 0 2 0 2 8 10
DAYS CLR @ 12PM 18 21 22 18 5 2 2 5 1 7 10 14
RAIN/MM 3 0 18 20 114 254 279 229 264 104 15 15
°C AVG MAX 17.3 18.3 20.0 21.7 21.1 19.4 20.0 20.0 18.9 17.2 17.2 16.7
°C AVG MIN 6.2 6.7 7.8 9.4 10.6 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 8.9 7.8 7.2
DIURNAL RANGE 11.1 11.6 12.2 12.3 10.5 9.4 10.0 10.0 8.9 8.3 9.4 9.5
TEMPERATURES: Summer days average 67-68°F (20°C), and nights average 50°F (10°C), with a diurnal range of 17-18°F
(KFC).
HUMIDITY: Near 80% most of the year, dropping to 70-75% in winter and spring. Averages probably are somewhat greater
in the moist habitat, however.
WATER: Rainfall is heavy from late spring into autumn, but amounts decrease rather rapidly into a 5- to 6-month dry
season that extends from late autumn to early spring. Cultivated plants should be watered heavily while actively
growing, but their roots must always be able to dry rapidly after watering. Water should be reduced in late autumn, but
the plants should not be allowed to dry out completely.
REST PERIOD: Winter days average 62-65°F (17-18°C), and nights average 43-45°F (6-7°C), with a diurnal range of 17-21°F
(9-12°C). Although rainfall in the habitat is low in winter, additional moisture generally is available from heavy dew, fog,
and mist. Water should, therefore, be reduced for cultivated plants in winter, but enough should be provided so that the
pseudobulbs do not shrivel. Fertilizer should be reduced or eliminated until heavier watering is resumed in spring.
NOTES: The bloom season shown in the climate table is based on cultivation records. In the Mexican habitat, plants
reportedly bloom in spring and autumn. Those from El Salvador, however, bloom only in autumn. Veitch (1887-1894)
reported that this species was first introduced in 1835 and that it was “interesting as being the first Odontoglot that ever
reached England alive.”
PLANT SIZE AND TYPE: A 7-20 in. (18-50 cm) tall sympodial epiphyte with growths closely spaced on a short rhizome.
PSEUDOBULB/STEM: TO about 2.4 in. (6 cm) long by 1.2 in. (3 cm) wide. The egg-shaped to ellipsoidal pseudobulbs are
somewhat laterally compressed and are enclosed from the base by several sheaths that carry leaflike blades of various
sizes.
LEAVES: 5-18 in. (11^-5 cm) long by 0.6 to 2.2 in. (1.5 to 5.5 cm) wide. One to three elliptic-oblong, elliptic-lanceolate or
linear leaves are carried at the apex of each pseudobulb. They may either end abruptly in a sharp point or taper
gradually into a long sharp point at the tip and are longitudinally folded along the center line for a short distance at the
base.
INFLORESCENCE: 16-31 in. (40-80 cm) long, including the simple or occasionally branched raceme that is carried on the
upper third. The slender, stiffly erect flower spike emerges from the base of mature pseudobulbs. Each blossom is
carried on a pedicellate ovary that is 1-2 in. (2.5-5.0 cm) long.
FLOWERS: 10-20 showy, widely spread flowers are spaced fairly far apart on each inflorescence. The flowers are up to 2 in.
(5 cm) across with widely spread, sharply pointed, elliptic-lanceolate sepals and petals that are about 1 in. (2.5 cm) long
by 0.2-0.3 in. (0.5-0.8 cm) wide. The sepals and petals are pale green or yellowish green with transverse bands of brown
or reddish brown. The lip is white, lilac, or rose. It has no mark ings and is about 0.6-1.2 in. (1.5-3.0 cm) long. The lip
blade widens abruptly from a short claw at the base into a midlobe that is about 1 in. (2.5 cm) wide at its base but
narrows into a somewhat rounded to sharply pointed tip at the apex. The lip margins are somewhat wavy or undulating.
The fleshy callus has high side margins and has 2 teeth at its apex. The slender, arched column is 0.5-0.6 in. (1.2-1.5 cm)
long, has somewhat squared wings on each side of the stigma, and is the same color as the sepals and petals except for
the white anther cap.
REFERENCES: 9,122, 184, 185, 186, 187,195, 198,421,436,441,444
Rhynchostele candidula (Rchb. f.) Soto Arenas & Salazar
AKA: Odontoglossum nebulosum var. candidulum Rchb. f., Odontoglos- sum apterum Llave & Lexarza var. candidulum
(Rchb. f.) Halbinger, Cymbiglossum candidulum (Rchb. f.) Halbinger, Lemboglossum candidulum (Rchb. f.) Halbinger,
Odontoglossum nebulosum subvar. can- didissimum Veitch
ORIGIN/HABITAT: Mexico. This epiphytic orchid is endemic to the Sierra Madre del Sur in the states of Oaxaca and
Guerrero. Plants grow at 7550-9850 ft. (2300-3000 m) in humid mixed forests that usually are bathed in clouds and
mist.
CLIMATE: Station #76775, Oaxaca, Mexico, Lat. 17.0°N, Long. 96.7°W, at 5012 ft. (1528 m). Temperatures are calculated for
an elevation of 8700 ft. (2650 m), resulting in probable extremes of 88 'F (31°C) and 22°F (~6°C).
N/HEM1SPHERE JAN FEBMAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPOCT NOVDEC
°F AVG MAX 65 69 73 76 75 71 70 69 68 67 67 65
°F AVG MIN 35 38 42 45 47 48 47 47 46 44 40 36
DIURNAL RANGE 30 31 31 31 28 23 23 22 22 23 27 29
RAIN/INCHES 0.1 0.2 0.6 1.5 3.2 6.7 3.5 4.1 4.9 2.0 0.4 0.2
N/HEMISPHERE JAN FEB MARAPR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
HUMlDITY/% 59 58 55 56 62 72 72 71 75 70 64 62
BLOOM SEASON * * *
DAYS CLR @ 6AM 26 24 24 24 9 8 4 8 5 14 20 26
DAYSCLR @ 12PM 25 26 23 22 11 8 3 5 4 13 22 27
RAIN/MM 3 5 15 38 81 170 89 104 124 51 10 5
°C AVG MAX 18.2 20.6 22.8 24.4 23.9 21.7 21.1 20.6 20.0 19.4 19.4 18.3
°C AVG MIN 1.6 3.3 5.6 7.2 8.3 8.9 8.3 8.3 7.8 6.7 4.4 2.2
DIURNAL RANGE 16.6 17.3 17.2 17.2 15.6 12.8 12.8 12.3 12.2 12.7 15.0 16.1
TEMPERATURES: Summer days average 69-71°F (21-22°C), and nights average 47-48°F (8-9°C), with a diurnal range of 22-
23°F (12-13°C). The warmest season is spring when days average 73-76°F (23-24°C). nights average 42-47°F (6-8°C),
and the diurnal range is 28-3I°F (16-17°C).
HUMIDITY: Near 70% from summer through early autumn, dropping to 55-60% in winter and early spring. Humidity in the
moist habitat probably is greater, however.
WATER: Rainfall is moderate to heavy for 6 months from late spring to early autumn, but amounts decrease rapidly into the
4- to 6-month dry season that lasts into spring. Rainfall in the habitat probably is greater than indicated by the averages
from the lower-elevation weather station, however. Cultivated plants should be watered heavily and often while actively
growing, but the roots must dry rapidly after watering. Cultivated plants need less water after new growth matures in
autumn.
REST PERIOD: Winter days average 65-69°F (18-21°C), nights average 35-38°F (2-3°C), with a diurnal range of 29-31°F (16-
17°C). In the habitat, winter rainfall is lower for about 5 months, but high humidity and nightly cooling cause frequent
heavy deposits of dew during part of this period, and additional moisture is available from fog and mist. Cultivated
plants need less water in winter, but they should never dry out completely. Conditions in the habitat may be simulated
for cultivated plants by somewhat regular early-morning mistings with enough water provided so that the pseudobulbs
do not shrivel. Watering may be particularly beneficial at the beginning of a prolonged period of bright, sunny weather.
Fertilizer should be reduced or eliminated until watering is increased as light levels and temperatures increase in the
spring. The large number of clear days each month during winter indicate that this is the brightest time of year in the
habitat. Consequently, light levels should be maintained as high as possible during the cool, drier rest.
NOTES: The bloom season shown in the climate table is based on reports from the habitat. Rhynchostele candidula is very
similar in both plant and flower to Rhynchostele aptera. The sepals and petals of Rhynchostele candidula, however, are
pure white and unmarked, and the blade of the lip has margins that are only slightly wavy. On the other hand,
Rhynchostele aptera has roundish spots of color on the basal third of the sepals and petals that are denser toward the
base, and the blade of the lip has toothed margins.
PLANT SIZE AND TYPE: A moderate- to large-sized sympodial epiphyte with growths 9-20 in. (23-50 cm).
PSEUDOBULB/STEM: 2.4-4.7 in. (6-12 cm) long by 1.4-2.0 in. (3.5-5.0 cm) wide. The egg-shaped pseudobulbs are laterally
compressed and enclosed at the base by 2-3 thin, dry sheaths which occasionally terminate in variably sized leaves.
LEAVES: 7-16 in. (17-40 cm) long by 1.2-2.4 in. (3-6 cm) wide. Two or three sharply pointed, lanceolate leaves are carried at
the apex of each pseudobulb. They are keeled on the back side and narrowed toward the base where they are folded
longitudinally along the midvein to form a petiolelike stem.
INFLORESCENCE: 5-7 in. (12-18 cm) long by up to 0.2 in. (0.5 cm) in diameter. The erect to arching flower spike emerges
from the base of a partially mature new growth along the axil of a basal sheath. Each blossom is carried on a pedicellate
ovary that is 0.8-2.4 in. (2-6 cm) long.
FLOWERS: 2-5 showy, widely spread blossoms are carried on each inflorescence. The firm-textured flowers last several
weeks. They are white, but the lip has a few spots of yellow, orange, light brown, or brown at the base of the apical lobe,
and the cream or whitish callus is marked with orange streaks. The flowers are 2.0-2.8 in. (5-7 cm) across. They have
lanceolate to oblong, sharply pointed sepals that are 1.4-1.8 in. (3.5—4.5 cm) long by 0.4-0.6 in. (1.0-1.5 cm) wide, with
the obliquely spreading lateral sepals often being a little longer but slightly narrower than the erect dorsal sepal. The
obliquely spreading, egg-shaped petals are 1.3-1.4 in. (3.3-3.6 cm) long by 0.7-0.9 in. (1.9-2.3 cm) wide with rather
broadly rounded tips. The lip is 1.1-1.2 in. (2.9-3.1 cm) long with a rather long, rectangular basal section and a somewhat
triangular, sharply pointed blade or apical lobe that is 0.7-0.8 in. (1.7-2.0 cm) long by 0.6-0.7 in. (1.4-1.7 cm) wide near
its base. The rectangular callus extends directly from a 0.1 in. (0.3 cm) wide claw at the base of the lip and is about 0.6-
0.8 in. (1.5-2.0 cm) long by 0.4 in. (1 cm) wide. It is arching, extremely fleshy, has raised sides that give it a boat-shaped
form, and the central portion extends into a 2toothed apex on the base of the apical lobe. The slender, curved column is
0.8-0.9 in. (2.0-2.3 cm) long and is somewhat wider near the stigma.
REFERENCES: 184,185,186,421
Rhynchostele cervantesii (La Llave & Lexarza) Soto Arenas & Salazar
AKA: Cymbiglossum cervantesii (Llave & Lexarza) Halbinger, Lembo- glossum cervantesii (La Llave & Lexarza) Halbinger,
Odontoglossum cervantesii La Llave & Lexarza, Odontoglossum cervantesii var. decorum (Rchb. f.) Rchb. f. ex Moore,
Oncidium cervantesii (Lindley) Beer. The following names are now considered synonyms of Rhynchostele cervantesii
subsp. membranacea (Lindley) Soto Arenas & Salazar. Odontoglossum membranaceum Lindley, Odontoglossum
cervantesii subsp. membranaceum Lindley, Odontoglossum cervantesii subvar. roseum Veitch, and Odontoglossum
cervantesii var. lilacinum Linden & Rodigas.
ORIGIN/HABITAT: Mexico. This is a relatively common species in southern Mexico in the states of Oaxaca, Jalisco,
Michoacan, Mexico, and Guerrero, and distribution may extend to the states of Durango and Sinaloa. It has been
reported in Guatemala, but those reports are questioned by current authorities. Plants grow on trees or rocky slopes in
damp, relatively shady, mixed pine-oak forests at 4900-9800 ft. (1500-3000 m). A pink-flowered form, Rhynchostele
cervantesii subsp. membranacea (Lindley) Soto Arenas & Salazar, previously known as Odontoglossum cervantesii
subvar. roseum Veitch, is found only in the southern Sierra Madre in Oaxaca at somewhat higher elevations than the
typical form.
an elevation of 6900 ft. (2100 m) resulting in record extreme temperatures of 94°F (34°C) and 28°F (-2°C).
N/HEMISPHERE JAN FEB MARAPR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPOCT NOVDEC
°F AVG MAX 71 75 79 82 81 77 76 75 74 73 73 71
°F AVG MIN 41 44 48 51 53 54 53 53 52 50 46 42
DIURNAL RANGE 30 31 31 31 28 23 23 22 22 23 27 29
RAIN/INCHES 0.1 0.2 0.6 1.5 3.2 6.7 3.5 4.1 4.9 2.0 0.4 0.2
HUMIDITY/% 59 58 55 56 62 72 72 71 75 70 64 62
BLOOM SEASON ** ** *** *** ** * * * * *
DAYS CLR @ 6AM 26 24 24 24 9 8 4 8 5 14 20 26
DAYSCLR © 12PM 25 26 23 22 11 8 3 5 4 13 22 27
RAIN/MM 3 5 15 38 81 170 89 104 124 51 10 5
°C AVG MAX 21.7 23.9 26.1 27.8 27.2 25.2 24.5 23.9 23.3 22.8 22.8 21.7
°C AVG MIN 5.0 6.5 8.8 10.4 11.5 12.1 11.5 11.5 11.0 9.9 7.6 5.4
DIURNAL RANGE 16.7 17.4 17.3 17.4 15.7 13.1 13.0 12.4 12.3 12.9 15.2 16.3
TEMPERATURES: Summer days average 75-77°F (24-25°C), and nights average 53-54°F (12°C), with a diurnal range of 22-
23°F (12-13°C). Because of the wide range in habitat elevation, the typical form of this species should adapt to
conditions 6-8°F (3^loC) warmer or cooler than indicated. Some growers report success with summer temperatures
about 10°F (6°C) warmer than indicated. If grown in warmer conditions, however, it is very important to maintain high
humidity with strong air movement. The pink form is found in a cooler habitat.
HUMIDITY: Near 70% from summer through early autumn, dropping to 55-60% in winter and early spring. Humidity in the
moist habitat probably is greater, however.
WATER: Rainfall is moderate to heavy for 6 months from late spring to early autumn, but averages then decline rapidly into
a 4- to 6-month dry season that lasts into spring. Cultivated plants need frequent, heavy watering while actively
growing, but the roots must dry rapidly after watering.
REST PERIOD: Winter days average 71-75°F (22-24°C), nights average 41-44°F (5-7°C), with a diurnal range of 30-31 °F
(17°C). The variation in habitat elevation suggests that plants should adapt to conditions somewhat warmer or cooler
than indicated. Growing plants warmer does not eliminated the need for a rest period, however, and winter nights
should drop to at least 50°F (10°C) for several months, with a corresponding increase in diurnal range. In the habitat,
winter rainfall is very low for 5 months, but high humidity and nightly cooling cause frequent, heavy deposits of dew,
fog, and mist for part of the winter. Cultivated plants need less water in winter, but they should never dry out
completely. Conditions in the habitat may be simulated with fairly regular, early-morning mistings that provide enough
water so that pseudobulbs do not shrivel. Watering is most beneficial when bright, sunny weather is expected. Fertilizer
should be reduced or eliminated until watering is increased as fight and temperatures increase in spring. Winter is the
brightest season and cultivated plants should be given as light as possible short of burning the leaves.
NOTES: The bloom season shown in the climate table is based on cultivation records. In the habitat, plants bloom from late
autumn into early spring.
Rhynchostele cervantesii plants are hardy and grow easily in outdoor gardens in Mexico City where the climate is very
similar to the conditions indicated in the preceding climate table.
PLANT SIZE AND TYPE: A dwarf, clump forming epiphyte with growths 3-9 in. (8-22 cm) tall.
PSEUDOBULB/STEM: 1.0-2.5 in. (2.5-6.5 cm) tall. The gray-green pseudobulbs, which are produced from a short rhizome, are
clustered, conical, ridged, and 4-angled with sharp edges.
LEAVES : 1 per pseudobulb. The leaf is 2-6 in. (5-16 cm) tall, oval, and papery in texture. The dark green leaf may have
purple coloring on the underside.
INFLORESCENCE: 5-13 in. (12-32 cm) long. The inflorescence is suberect to pendant and arises from the base of the
pseudobulb.
FLOWERS: 1-6 per inflorescence. The showy flowers are 1.6-2.4 in. (4-6 cm) wide, which is large for the plant size. Flowers
are very sweetly fragrant and long-lasting if kept cool and shady. Sepals and petals may be white to rose and are marked
with concentric red-brown spots or lines near the base. The heart-shaped lip is the same color as the other segments.
REFERENCES: 9, 29,184,185, 186, 195, 198, 276, 301, 303,421,436,441, 444, 445
Rhynchostele cordata (Lindley) Soto Arenas & Salazar

AKA: Lemboglossum cordatum (Lindley) Halbinger, Cymbiglossum cordatum (Lindley) Halbinger, Odontoglossum
cordatum Lindley, Odontoglossum maculatum Lindley as used by Hooker, Odontoglossum hookeri Lemaire,
Odontoglossum luedmannii Regel ORIGIN/HABITAT: Mexico southward through Central America to Costa Rica. In
Mexico, Rhynchostele cordata is found in the states of Veracruz, Puebla, Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Chiapas, with plants
growing mostly on trees in humid, misty mixed forests at 6250-8200 ft. (1900-2500 m). In Guatemala, plants are found
as high as 9850 ft. (3000 m) near Guatemala City and on the south slopes of Volcan Atitlan, but those found in El
Salvador are reported at 6250-6900 ft. (1900-2100 m). Plants have not been reported in Panama, but they have been
found in Venezuela at about 8200 ft. (2500 m) in the state of Tachira where they were growing in a clearing of felled
trees at the base of the trail from Las Copas to Alto de Tierra Negra.
calculated for an elevation of 7550 ft. (2300 m), resulting in record extreme temperatures of 79°F (26°C) and 32°F
(0°C).
N/HEMISPHERE JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUGSEP OCT NOVDEC
°F AVG MAX 63 65 68 71 70 67 68 68 66 63 63 62
°F AVG MIN 43 44 46 49 51 50 50 50 50 48 46 45
DIURNAL RANGE 20 21 22 22 19 17 18 18 16 15 17 17
RAIN/INCHES 0.1 0.0 0.7 0.8 4.5 10.0 11.0 9.0 10.4 4.1 0.6 0.6
HUMIDITY/% 75 72 74 73 74 81 77 81 84 80 78 77
BLOOM SEASON * * ** * *** *** *** * * * * *
DAYS CLR @ 6AM 10 8 12 5 2 1 0 2 0 2 8 10
DAYS CLR @ 12PM 18 21 22 18 5 2 2 5 1 7 10 14
RAIN/MM 3 0 18 20 114 254 279 229 264 104 15 15
°C AVG MAX 17.2 18.3 20.0 21.7 21.1 19.6 20.0 20.0 18.9 17.2 17.2 16.7
°C AVG MIN 6.1 6.8 7.9 9.6 10.7 10.1 10.1 10.1 10.1 9.0 7.9 7.3
DIURNAL RANGE 11.1 11.5 12.1 12.1 10.4 9.5 9.9 9.9 8.8 8.2 9.3 9.4
TEMPERATURES: Summer days average 67-68°F (20°C), and nights average 50°F (10°C), with a diurnal range of 17-18°F
(10°C). Growers report that Rhynchostele cordata does not tolerate high temperatures.
HUMIDITY: Near 80% most of the year, dropping to 70-75% in winter and spring. Averages probably are somewhat greater
in the moist habitat, however.
WATER: Rainfall is heavy from late spring into autumn, but averages decline rapidly into a 5- to 6-month dry season that
starts in late autumn and lasts until early spring. Cultivated plants need heavy watering during the growing season, but
their roots must always dry rapidly after watering. Water should be reduced in late autumn, but plants should never dry
out completely.
(9-12°C). Although winter rainfall in the habitat is low, additional moisture generally is available from heavy dew, fog,
and mist. Cultivated plants need less in winter, but they should be given enough to keep the pseudobulbs from
shriveling. The plant’s needs may be met in most growing areas by somewhat regular early-morning mistings between
infrequent light waterings. Fertilizer should be reduced or eliminated until heavier watering is resumed in spring.
NOTES: The bloom season shown in the climate table is based on cultivation records. In the habitat, these plants flower in
spring.
Rhynchostele cordata (Lindley) Soto Arenas & Salazar is very closely related to Rhynchostele maculata (La Llave &
Lexarza) Soto Arenas & Salazar, but differs as follows: Rhynchostele maculata has broad petals that taper gradually to a
sharply pointed tip. Rhynchostele cordata has narrower petals that taper gradually along most of their length into the
long, sharply pointed tips.
PLANT SIZE AND TYPE: A clump-forming epiphyte with growths to 16 in. (40 cm) tall.
PSEUDOBULB/STEM: 1.8-3.5 in. (4.5-9.0 cm) long by 0.8-1.6 in. (2-4 cm) | wide. The compressed ellipsoid-ovoid
pseudobulbs are covered by J basal sheaths, of which 2^1 carry fully-developed leaves. The rather ( coarse growths are
closely spaced on a short rhizome. '■
LEAVES: 3.5-12.0 in. (9-30 cm) long. Each pseudobulb carries a single elliptic-lanceolate, 1.0-1.8 in. (2.5-4.5 cm) wide leaf
at the apex. The 2 outer leaves that develop on the inner sheaths at the base of the pseudobulb often are almost as long
as the apical leaf.
INFLORESCENCE: 12-18 in. (30-45 cm) long. The normally arching, somewhat flattened scape emerges at the base of the
pseudobulb.
FLOWERS: 5-12 per inflorescence. The showy blossoms are well spaced along the apical half of the flower spike. Flowers,
which are 1.6-3.0 in. (4.0-7.5 cm) across, may be white, yellow, or yellowish green with heavy spots, blotches, or bars of
brown, pale brown, or reddish brown. ■ Sepals and petals are spreading and taper gradually to long, narrow points.
They are about the same length, but the petals are slightly wider than the dorsal sepal. Sepals have a prominent keel on
the back, and the dorsal sepal is slightly recurved along its margins. Lateral sepals are somewhat narrower than the
dorsal sepal with more strongly recurved margins. The lip is 0.7-I.0 in. (1.8-2.5 cm) long with a fleshy callus on the
short, slightly curved claw at the base. Above the claw, the lip spreads abruptly and is 0.6-0.7 in. (1.5-1.9 cm) wide at the
base of the blade. The triangular or heart-shaped blade tapers evenly along its length to a long, sharp point at the apex.
The lip blade is white with wavy red- brown edges at the base, and the sharply pointed apex is the same color as the
sepals and petals. The fleshy callus is about 0.3 in. (0.7 cm) long with raised sides that form a boatlike shape. The callus
has a keel down the fleshy center part and 2 teeth at the apex. The slender, curved, yel lowish green column is 0.5-0.6 in.
(1.2-1.5 cm) long and is widest opposite the stigma.
REFERENCES: 9,122,140,184,185,186,187,195,198,274,421,436,441, 444
Rhynchostele ehrenbergii (Link, Kiotzsch & otto) Soto Arenas & Salazar
AKA: Odontoglossum ehrenbergii Link, Kiotzsch & Otto, Odontoglossum dawsonianum Rchb. f., Oncidium ehrengergii
(Link, Kiotzsch & Otto) Beer, Cymbiglossum ehrenbergii (Link, Kiotzsch & Otto) Halbinger, Lemboglossum
ehrenbergii (Link, Kiotzsch & Otto) Halbinger, Otoglossum rossii var. ehrenbergii (Link, Kiotzsch & Otto) Veitch
ORIGIN/HABITAT: Mexico. These small epiphytic plants grow in cloudforests of mixed pine and oak at 6550-7850 ft. (2000-
2400 m) in the states of Verazruz, Hidalgo, Puebla, and Oaxaca.
CLIMATE: Station #76685, Puebla, Mexico, Lat. 19.0°N, Long. 98.2°W, at 7093 ft. (2162 m). The record high is 88°F (31°C),
and the record lowis 29°F (-2°C).
N/HEMISPHERE °F AVG MAX °F AVG MIN DIURNAL RANGE RAIN/INCHES HUMIDITY/% BLOOM SEASON DAYS CLR RAIN/MM °C AVG
MAX °C AVG MIN DIURNAL RANGE S/HEMISPHERE
20°F (8-11°C).
The warmest season occurs in spring before the start of the rainy season. Spring days average 75-77°F (24-25°C), nights
warm from 47 to 54°F (8-12°C) during the season, and the diurnal range drops from 28 to 23°F (16tol3°C).
HUMIDITY: Near 70% in summer and early autumn, dropping to near 60% by late autumn, and then falling even further to
near 50% in late winter and early spring. Values probably are greater in the cloudforest habitat than indicated by the
records from the weather station, however, so it would not be unreasonable to maintain averages of 70-80% year-round
for cultivated plants.
WATER: Rainfall is heavy from late spring into autumn, but amounts decrease rather rapidly into a 5- to 6-month dry
season that extends from late autumn to early spring. Rainfall probably is greater in the cloudforest habitat than at the
weather station, however, with additional moisture available from heavy dew, fog, and mist. Cultivated plants should be
watered heavily while actively growing, but their roots must always be able to dry rapidly after watering. Water should
be reduced in late autumn, but the plants should not be allowed to dry out completely.
REST PERIOD: Winter days average 68-71 °F (20-22°C), and nights average 42-44°F (6-7°C), with a diurnal range of 26-27°F
(14-15°C). Although rainfall in the habitat is low in winter, additional moisture generally is available from heavy dew,
fog, and mist. Water should be reduced for cultivated plants in winter, but enough should be provided so that the
pseudobulbs do not shrivel. The plant’s needs may be met in most JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
growing areas by somewhat regular early-morning mistings between a 68 71 75 77 77 74 72 68 72 72 72 70
light watering given every 3-4 weeks. Fertilizer should be reduced or 42 44 47 51 54 54 53 53 53 50 46 43
26 27 28 26 23 20 19 15 19 22 26 27
eliminated until heavier watering is resumed in spring. 0.3 0.4 0.4 1.0 3.3 6.8 7.1 5.6 6.1 2.5 1.0 0-4
NOTES: The bloom season shown in the climate table is based on 57 53 48 49 58 70 69 70 72 67 63 61
cultivation records. In the habitat, these plants bloom from late spring
N/A 8 10 10
to late summer. Because of flower shape and color, the winter- 20.0 21.7 23.9 25 84 173 180 142 155 64 25 10
flowering Rhynchostele rossii often is confused with the smaller 5.6 6.7 8.3 25.0 25.0 23.3 22.2 20.0 22.2 22.2 22.2 21.1 10.0
flowered, summerblooming Rhynchostele ehrenbergii. An additional 14.4 15.0 15.6 10.6 12.2 12.2 14.4 11.7 11.7 11.7 7.8 6.1
JUL AUG SEP 12.8 11.1 OCT NOV 10.5 8.3 10.5
distinction is that the markings on the sepals of Rhynchostele JAN FEB MAR
12.2 .14.4 15.0
DEC APR MAY JUN
ehrenbergii form bars and transverse blotches instead of the rounded
spots found on Rhynchostele rossii.
PLANT SIZE AND TYPE: A small, 3-7 in. (8-18 cm) sympodial epiphyte with growths closely spaced on a short rhizome.
PSEUDOBULB/STEM: TO 1.2 in. (3 cm) long by 0.9 in. (2.2 cm) wide. The green, egg-shaped to somewhat spherical
pseudobulbs are laterally compressed and enclosed at the base by a pair of sheaths, one of which usually is as long or
slightly longer than the pseudobulb.
LEAVES: 2-6 in. (5-15 cm) long by 0.6-1.2 in. (1.5-3.0 cm) wide. A single elliptic or elliptic-lanceolate leaf is carried at the
apex of each pseudobulb. The somewhat leathery leaves are sharply pointed at the tip and folded longitudinally along
the midvein at the base to create a rather long, petiolelike stem.
INFLORESCENCE: 2.4-6.0 in. (6-15 cm) long. The erect to arching flower spike emerges from the base of a developing new
growth along the axil of the basal sheath. Flowers are carried on a pedicellate ovary that is RO-1.6 in. (2.6-4.0 cm) long.
FLOWERS: 1-3 widely spread blossoms are carried on each inflorescence. The flowers are white, pale pink, or reddish and
are rather heavily marked with irregular spots and bands of dark brown or reddish brown on the sepals. The petals are
marked with a few spots or bands near the base. The lip callus normally is white but may occasionally be yellow and is
marked with reddish lines and spots. The widely spread flowers are 1.2-1.6 in. (3^4 cm) across with an erect dorsal sepal
and obliquely spreading lateral sepals and petals. The oblong-elliptic to oblong-lanceolate sepals are rather sharply
pointed and 0.8-1.0 in. (2.0-2.5 cm) long by 0.2-0.3 in. (0.4-0.9 cm) wide, with the dorsal sepals being somewhat wider
than the lateral sepals. The narrowly elliptic to oblong-elliptic petals are 0.8-0.9 in. (2.0-2.4 cm) long by 0.4 in. (1 cm)
wide with rather bluntly pointed tips. The lip extends from a short, narrow claw at the base and has a somewhat
rounded to heart-shaped apical lobe with a rounded apex and ruffled-undulate margins. The lip is 0.6-0.7 in. (1.5-1.8
cm) long by about the same width at the base of the apical lobe. The callus is fleshy with thin margins raised to form a
boatlike shape. The central portion is 2-toothed at the apex with the points well-defined and diverging. The slender
column is slightly arched and is 0.6 in. (1.5-1.6 cm) long.
REFERENCES: 184,185,186,195,421,436
Rhynchostele galeottiana (A. Richard & Galeotti) Soto Arenas & Salazar
AKA: Odontoglossum galeottianum A. Richard & Galeotti, Cymbiglossum galeottianum (A. Richard & Galeotti) Halbinger,
Lemboglossum galeottianum (A. Richard & Galeotti) Halbinger
ORIGIN/HABITAT: Mexico. This epiphytic species is known only from the Sierra del Sur in the states of Oaxaca and
Guerrero. Plants grow in cloudforests of mixed pine and oak at 6900-9850 ft. (2100-3000 m).
an elevation of 8200 ft. (2500 m), resulting in probable extremes of 89°F (32°C) and 23°F (5°C).
N/ JA FEB MA AP MA JU JUL AU SEP OCT NO DE
°F AVG MAX 66 7 74 77 76 72 71 7 69 68 68 6
°F AVG MIN 36 03 43 46 4 49 48 0 4 47 45 41 6 3
DIURNAL 30 9 31 31 31 8 2 23 23 8 2 22 23 27 7 2
RANGE
RAIN/ 0.1 0.2 8
0. 1.5 3.2 6.7 3.5 2 4.1 4.9 2.0 9
0.4 0.2
INCHES
HUMIDITY/ 59 5 6 55 56 6 72 72 71 75 70 64 6
%
BLOOM 8 2 * * 2
SEASON
DAYS CLR @ 26 2 24 24 9 8 4 8 5 14 20 2
6AM CLR @
DAYS 25 4 2 23 22 11 8 3 5 4 13 22 6 2
12PM
RAIN/MM 3 6 5 15 38 81 170 89 104 124 51 10 7 5
°C AVG MAX 18. 21.1 23.3 25. 24.4 22.4 21.7 21.1 20.6 20. 20. 18.
°C AVG MIN 9
2.2 4.2 0
6. 8.0 9.2 9.7 9.2 9.2 8.6 7.5 0 0 3.0
5.3 9
DIURNAL 16. 4
16.9 16.9 17.0 15.2 12.7 12.5 11.9 12.0 12.5 14.7 15.
RANGE
S/ 7
JU AU SEP OCT NO DE JAN FEB MA AP MA JU 9
TEMPERATURES: Summer days average 70-72°F (21-22°C), and nights average 48-49°F (9-10°C), with a diurnal range of 22-
23°F (12-13°C). The warmest temperatures of the year occur in spring before the start of the rainy season. Spring days
average 74—77°F (23-25°C), nights warm from 43 to 48°F (6 to 9°C), and the diurnal range is 28-31°F (15-17°C).
Because of the range in habitat elevation, these plants should adapt to conditions 4-6°F (2-3 °C) warmer or cooler than
indicated in the climate table.
HUMIDITY: Averages at the weather station are 70-75% in summer and early autumn, dropping gradually through autumn
to 55-60% in winter and early spring. Averages in the high-elevation cloudforest habitat probably are near 70-80% year-
round, however, and humidity for cultivated plants should be kept as high as possible, short of causing problems from
excessive nighttime condensation.
WATER: Rainfall is moderate to heavy from late spring into autumn but decreases rapidly into a 5- to 6-month dry season
lasting from late autumn to early spring. Cultivated plants should be watered heavily while actively growing, but their
roots must always be able to dry rapidly after watering. Water should be reduced in late autumn.
(16-17°C). Growers are reminded that because of the range in habitat elevation,
plants should adapt to conditions 4-6°F (2-3 °C) warmer or cooler than JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
64 64
indicated. Although rainfall in the habitat is low in winter, additional 62 63 66 66 67 66 64 65 66 62
47 47 45
45 45 46 49 49 49 49 48 48 17
17
moisture generally is available from heavy dew, fog, and mist in the 17 18 20 17 18 17 15 17 18 H.8 5.7 1.6
17
cloudforest habitat. Water should be reduced for cultivated plants in

85
0.6 0.2 0.8 1.8 9.0 9.5 9.6 9.512.0 79 76
73 69 68 70 78 83 82 81 84
winter, but enough should be provided so that the pseudobulbs and 1 2 3
leaves do not shrivel or show signs of stress. The plant’s needs may be 5 8 11 2 1 0 0 0 2
0
300 145
0 1
41
met in most growing areas by somewhat regular early-morning mistings 5 4 8 3 0 0 0 0 0 17-8 17.8 16.7
8.3 8.3 7
46 229 241 -2
between occasional light waterings. Fertilizer should be reduced or 15 5

16.8 17.2 18.9
20
18.9 19.4 18.9
211 241
17.8 18.3 18.9
305
9.5 9.5 9.5
APR MAY JUN
eliminated until heavier watering is resumed in spring. 7.3 7.2 7.8 9.4 9.49.4 9.4 8.9 8.9
NOTES: The bloom season shown in the climate table is based on cultivation 9.5 10.0 11.1 9.5 10.0 9.5 8.4 9.4 10.0
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR
records. In the habitat, these plants bloom in summer. The plants of
Rhynchostele galeottianum are very similar to those of Rhynchostele
cervantesii. The flowers are very easy to distinguish, however, because the column auricles of Rhynchostele cervantesii
are rounded to subquadrate, while those of Rhynchostele galeottianum are semiterete. In addition, the callus of
Rhynchostele galeottianum is large and fleshy, rather like those of Rhynchostele aptera and Rhynchostele candidula.

PLANT SIZE AND TYPE: A small epiphyte that grows 3-4 in. (8-11 cm) tall. PSEUDOBULB/STEM: 1.6-2.4 in. (4-6 cm) tall by 1.0-
1.6 in. (2.5-4.0 cm) wide. The dark green, egg-shaped to rounded pseudobulbs almost always are partly or wholly covered
with irregular brown spots and are enclosed at the base by 1-2 leaflike sheaths.
LEAVES: 1.6-1.8 in. (4.0—4.5 cm) long by 0.5-0.6 in. (1.0-1.5 cm) wide. A single sharply pointed, egg-shaped to elliptic leaf
is carried at the apex of each pseudobulb.
INFLORESCENCE: Usually does not extend past the tip of the leaves. The rather sturdy, erect flower spike emerges from the
base of a recently matured pseudobulb. Each flower is carried on a pedicellate ovary that is 1.0-1.6 in. (2.5-4.0 cm) long.
FLOWERS: 1-4 showy white to pink blossoms that are spotted with light brown are carried on each inflorescence. The
flowers have a noticeable fragrance in the middle of the day and are 1.6-2.4 in. (4-6 cm) wide. The sharply pointed
sepals and petals are 1.2-1.4 in. (3.0-3.5 cm) long by 0.3-0.6 in. (0.7-1.6 cm) wide, but the dorsal sepal and petals
usually are somewhat wider than the lateral sepals. The lip extends from a short, narrow claw at its base and expands
into a widely spread, sharply pointed, heart-shaped blade that is 0.6-0.8 in. (1.5-2.0 cm) long by 0.6-0.8 in. (1.5-2.0 cm)
wide across its base. The white lip is almost always spotted with light brown or reddish brown and has undulating,
irregularly notched margins. The very fleshy, slightly bow-shaped callus is cream to yellowish and is almost always
marked with light to reddish brown transverse bars. The callus is united to the claw and has 2 teeth at the apex and
sides that are raised to form a boat shape. The curved column is 0.7-0.8 in. (1.8-2.0 cm) long and is slightly widened
opposite the stigma where 2 semiterete auricles that are 0.1-0.2 in. (0.3-0.4 cm) long extend perpendicular to the
column.
REFERENCES: 184, 185,186, 195,421,436
Rhynchostele hortensiae (Rodriguez) Soto Arenas & Salazar AKA: Odontoglossum hortensiae
Rodriguez, Cymbiglossum hortensiae (Rodriguez) Halbinger, Lemboglossum hortensiae (Rodriguez) Halbinger
ORIGIN/HABITAT: Costa Rica. This epiphytic orchid is found in the central mountains at 5600-8200 ft. (1700-2500 m).
Plants grow in moist, mixed cloudforests in sites sufficiently exposed to provide fairly bright light.
CLIMATE: Station #78762, San Jose, Costa Rica, Lat. 10.0°N, Long. 84.2°W, at 3021 ft. (921 m). Temperatures are
calculated for an elevation of 6900 ft. (2100 m), resulting in probable extremes of 79°F (26°C) and 36°F (2°C).
N/HEMISPHERE °F AVG MAX °F AVG MIN DIURNAL RANGE RAIN/INCHES HUMIDITY/% BLOOM SEASON DAYS CLR @ 6AM DAYS CLR
@ 12PM RAIN/MM °C AVG MAX °C AVG MIN DIURNAL RANGE S/HEMISPHERE
LIGHT: 2000-3000 fc. Light should be filtered or diffused, and plants should not be exposed to direct midday sun. Strong
air movement should be provided at all times.
17°F (8-10°C).
HUMIDITY: 80-85% in summer and early autumn, dropping to near 70% in winter and early spring. Values may be
somewhat greater in the cloudforest habitat, however.
WATER: Rainfall in the habitat is heavy from late spring into autumn. Monthly averages then drop rather abruptly into a 3-
to 4-month dry season that extends to early spring. In the cloudforest habitat, however, more moisture is available than
is indicated by the rainfall averages at the lower-elevation weather. Cultivated plants should be watered heav ily while
actively growing, but drainage must be excellent, and their roots must be allowed to dry fairly rapidly after watering.
Conditions around the roots should never be allowed to become stale or soggy. Water should be gradually reduced after
new growth has matured in autumn.
REST PERIOD: Winter days average 62-63°F (17°C), and nights average 45°F (7°C), with a diurnal range of 17-18°F (10°C).
Rainfall in the habitat is low in winter, but additional moisture generally is available from heavy dew and mist. Water
should be reduced for cultivated plants in winter, but they should not be allowed to dry out completely or remain
without water for long periods. Fairly regular early-morning mistings between infrequent light waterings should
provide sufficient moisture in most growing areas. Fertilizer should be reduced or eliminated until new growth begins
and heavier watering is resumed in spring.
NOTES: The bloom season shown in the climate table is based on cultivation records. In the habitat, these plants bloom in
late spring.

PLANT SIZE AND TYPE: A rather small, 4-7 in. (10-19 cm) sympodial epiphyte with growths that are very closely clustered.
PSEUDOBULB/STEM: 1.2-2.4 in. (3-6 cm) long by 1.1-1.6 in. (2.7-4.0 cm) wide. The bright green, elliptic to egg-shaped
pseudobulbs are strongly compressed laterally with rather sharp edges. They are partially enclosed at the base by
several parchmentlike bracts, of which the upper 2-3 are leaf-bearing.
LEAVES: 2.8-5.1 in. (7-13 cm) long by 1.2-1.6 in. (3-4 cm) wide. A single elliptic leaf is carried at the apex of the pseudobulb.
It is bright green, sharply pointed at the tip, keeled along the midvein on the lower surface, and folded longitudinally
along the midvein toward the base. The leaflike blades on the basal sheaths are similar to the apical leaf but usually are
somewhat smaller.
INFLORESCENCE: 10-24 in. (25-60 cm) long, including the scape. The erect to somewhat curving flower spike emerges from
the base of a recently matured pseudobulb along the axil of a basal sheath. The somewhat
!
DEC I compressed scape is 0.1-0.2 in. (0.3-0.5 cm) wide and has 3-5 disti- 62 | chons, oblong-lanceolate, visibly keeled
and strongly folded bracts 45 I which are 1.0-2.0 in. (2.6-5.0 cm) long spaced along its length. These 1 1 bracts are
always shorter than the internode they clasp. Flowers are car
I 76 I ’ d pedicellate ovaries that are 1.1-2.2 in. (2.7-5.5 cm) long.
r e on
■ROWERS: Usually 3-5 showy, rather spreading, star-shaped blossoms are 3 I carried on each inflorescence. The
yellowish green sepals are rather 1 I heavily marked with irregularly shaped chestnut-brown spots that tend ter ■ to form
transverse bands. The white petals are variably marked with 7.2 I brown spots. The lip is white or yellowish at the base and
the apical lobe I9'5 I is white marked with irregular brown spots that may merge to form a |JUN ■ continuous band of
brown along the margin. The callus is whitish with I I pale lines and a yellowish blotch at the base that is bordered with
bluish | 1 brown. The column is greenish white. The flowers are up to 4 in. (10
uld I cm) wide across the horizontally spreading petals. The elliptic sepals .be I are 1.4-2.1 in. (3.5-5.2cm)longby upto0.4in.
(1 cm) wide toward the s I base and then taper gradually to long, narrow, sharply pointed tips that
I may be rather strongly reflexed. The petals have a short claw at the base 3 I and then spread into a triangular blade
that tapers gradually to a long, ® I narrow, sharply pointed tip. Petals are 1.2-2.0 in. (3-5 cm) long by
I 0.4-0.5 in. (1.1-1.2 cm) wide near the base, and the narrow, sharply 4 I pointed tip is longitudinally folded for a
short distance and is rather g I curled. The lip is 1.2-1.4 in. (2.9-3.5 cm) long by 0.7-0.9 in. (1.9-2.2 h I cm) w'de. It has a
wedge-shaped base that widens from a short, narrow H I claw at the base to the widest point below the middle. The
narrowly tri-
I angular apical lobe then tapers gradually to a long, sharply pointed tip.
t I The margins on the apical portion of the lip are very wavy with numer-
■ I ous indentations creating rather bluntly pointed teeth along the margins.
® I The callus at the base of the lip is continuous with the short claw and
!
1 I extends up the center of the lip to about the widest point. It is fleshy,
I slightly arched, and has a pair of erect basal plates that rise obliquely to ;jI a 2-toothed apex. The slender
column is about 0.6 in. (1.5 cm) long. It is
J I almost terete but widens slightly near the stigma and is densely covered
i I with short, soft hairs.
5 I REFERENCES: 184,185, 186, 195,421,436
IRhynchostele londesboroughiana (Rchb. f.) Soto Arenas &

: I Salazar
| AKA: OdontoglossumlondesboroughianumRsAHo. f., Mesoglossum londes- I boroughianum (Rchb. f.) Halbinger
I ORIGIN/HABITAT: Mexico. This lithophytic to rarely terrestrial orchid is I known only from the state of Guerrero
where it grows amid mixed vege-
| tation at 3300-3950 ft. (1000-1200 m). Plants are found in full sun or I only light shade, usually on east-facing
slopes, with their roots clinging I directly to the crystalline rocks on which they grow.
I CLIMATE: Station #76762, Chilpancingo, Mexico, Lat. 17.6°N, Long. 99.5°W, at 4462 ft. (1360 m). Temperatures are
calculated for an elevation of 3600 ft. (1100 m). Record extreme temperatures are not available for this location.
N/ JAN FEB MA AP MA JUN JUL AU SEP OCT NO DE
HEMISPHE
°F AVG MAX 8 87 89 R R9 Y9 8 86 86G 8 8 VC 8
87
°F AVG MIN 5 5 58 61 2 6 2 6 86 66 66 6 6 7 6 60 6 5
DIURNAL 6 2 29 28 4 2 6 2 82 20 20 6 2 4 2 27 7 2
RANGE
RAIN/ 9 0.1 0.1 0.1 8
0.3 60.9 0
3.2 5.2 3.5 04.4 3 1.1 0.1 0.0
9
INCHES
HUMIDITY N/A
BLOOM * * *
SEASON
DAYS CLR N/A
RAIN/MM 3 3 3 8 2 81 132 89 112 2 3 0
°C AVG MAX 29.4 30. 31.7 33.3 3
33.3 31.1 30. 30. 30. 830. 30. 30.
°C AVG MIN 6
13.2 14.4 16.1 0
17.8 18.9 20. 18.9 0
18.9 0
18.9 6 15.6
17.8 6 13.
0
DIURNAL 16.2 16.2 15.6 0
15.5 14.4 11.1 9
11.1 11.1 11.1 12.8 15.0 16.1
RANGE
S/ JUL AU SEP OCT NO DEC JAN FEB MA APR MA JU
Cultural Recommendations HEMISPHE G V R YN
LIGHT: 4000-5000 fc. Light should be very bright, but plants may be healthier if not exposed to direct midday sun.
Halbinger (1982) reported that in nature, the plants most exposed to direct sun in east- and south-facing positions
flowered notably more heavily than did plants growing in semishade. Strong air movement should be provided at all
times.
TEMPERATURES: Summer days average 86-88°F (30-31 °C), and nights average 66-68°F (19-20°C), with a diurnal range of
20°F (11°C). The warmest season is spring when days average 89-92°F (32-33°C), nights average 61-66°F (16-19°C), and
the diurnal range is 26-28°F (14-16°C).
HUMIDITY: Averages are not available for this location, but records from other stations in the region indicate that values
probably are near 75% during much of the year, dropping to 60-65% in winter and early spring.
WATER: Rainfall is light to moderate during the 4- to 5-month rainy season that lasts from late spring into autumn.
Amounts decrease rapidly in autumn into a 6-month winter dry season. Cultivated plants should be watered often while
actively growing, but their roots must be allowed to dry out between waterings. Water should be reduced dramatically in
autumn after the new growth matures and the flower spike appears. With other plants from this region, we have
experienced problems with buds turning brown and dropping when plants are watered too heavily during this season.
REST PERIOD: Winter days average 85-87°F (29-31 °C), and nights average 56-58°F (13-14°C), with a diurnal range of 29°F
(16°C). Although rainfall is very low for 6-7 months in winter and spring, some additional moisture often is available
from early-morning dew and mist. Cultivated plants should be misted somewhat frequently, with an occasional light
watering given if the leaves and pseudobulbs start to shrivel or show signs of stress. Fertilizer should be eliminated until
new growth starts and normal watering is resumed in spring. Halbinger (1982) reported that plants in the habitat are
exposed to occasional mists and to early- morning dew during the dry season.
late autumn and early winter. This orchid has a reputation of being one of the more difficult to successfully maintain in
cultivation. Therefore, it would probably be beneficial to gradually move languishing plants slowly into conditions
indicated by the preceding climate data and reports from the habitat.
PLANT SIZE AND TYPE: An up to 20 in. (50 cm) sympodial lithophyte or terrestrial with growths appearing as a linear
continuation of the older growths on rhizomes that branch only rarely.
PSEUDOBULB/STEM: Up to 3 in. (7.5 cm) long by 1.8 in. (4.5 cm) wide. The clear olive-green, egg-shaped pseudobulbs are
laterally compressed, have rather sharp edges, develop longitudinal grooves on the flattened sides with age, and are
enclosed at the base by 2 pairs of sheaths that terminate in leaflike blades. These basal leaves are graduated in size, with
the blades on the lower sheaths being somewhat smaller and those on the upper sheaths sometimes being as large as the
apical leaves.
LEAVES: Up to 18 in. (45 cm) long by 1.8 in. (4.5 cm) wide. Two or three delicate, lanceolate leaves are carried at the apex of
each pseudobulb. They are sharply pointed at the apex, more or less folded longitudinally along the midvein for their
entire length, and taper to a narrow, more tightly folded section at the base. The blades on the basal sheaths are similar
to the apical leaves but normally are somewhat smaller and usually fall before flowering. The apical leaves are deciduous
in winter, so the older growths are leafless at the end of the dry season when new growth starts.
INFLORESCENCE: 28-39 in. (70-100 cm) long. The erect to slightly arching flower spike emerges from the base of a recently
matured pseudobulb
along the axil of an upper sheath. Flowers are earned in a raceme on the upper third of the spike, with flowers
alternating on each side of the stem. Sometimes a few simple branches are produced at the base of the raceme.
FLOWERS: 15-30 attractive, long-lasting blossoms are carried on each inflorescence. The flowers are bright golden yellow
with irregularly shaped transverse streaks and blotches of reddish brown on the sepals and petals and on the base of the
lip. The apical lobe of the lip is golden yellow. The callus is yellow and white with transverse reddish brown markings
which may sometimes extend to the base of the apical lobe. The column is yellow. Flowers are 1.2-1.4 in. (3.0-3.5 cm)
across with sepals and petals that are spreading at the base but curve forward somewhat toward their tips to create a
rather cup-shaped flower. The large, spreading, kidney-shaped lip is the most dominant feature of the flower. The
broadly lanceolate, sharply pointed dorsal sepal is 0.5 in. (1.3 cm) long by 0.3 in. (0.7 cm) wide. The oblique lateral
sepals are similarly shaped but are 0.6 in. (1.5 cm) long by 0.3 in. (0.7 cm) wide. The oblique, egg-shaped pet als are 0.5
in. (1.3 cm) long by 0.5 in. (1.2 cm) wide near the base. They have broadly rounded tips and wavy margins. The showy
lip is about 1.1 in. (2.8 cm) long by 1.2 in. (3 cm) wide across the base of the large, spreading, kidney-shaped apical lobe.
The rather narrow, rectangular portion at the base of the lip is solidly joined to the base of the column. It then widens
abruptly to form the high, fleshy callus which has a halfbowl shape that opens toward the base. The apical part of the
callus is a set of irregular protuberances, and the base of the callus has a small but prominent, egg-shaped, earlike
appendage on each side. The large apical lobe of the lip is slightly bilobed with a V-shaped notch in the center of the
apical margin. The slender, wingless column is 0.6 in. (1.4 cm) long and is curved to rather bow-shaped.
REFERENCES: 184,185, 186,421
Rhynchostele mciculutu (La Have & Lexarza) Soto Arenas & Salazar
AKA: Odontoglossum maculatum La Llave & Lexarza, Cymbiglossum maculatum (La Llave & Lexarza) Halbinger,
Lemboglossum maculatum (La Llave & Lexarza) Halbinger, Odontoglossum anceps Lemaire, Oncid- ium maculatum
(Llave & Lexarza) Beer, Odontoglossum maculatum var. antenatum Rchb. f., Brassia oestlundiana L. O. Williams
ORIGIN/HABITAT: Mexico, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. In Mexico, these plants grow as epiphytes in mixed forests at 6550-
8850 ft. (2000-2700 m) and are found in cloudforests or in areas where fog, and mist are common. They are widely
distributed and relatively common in the Mexican states of Veracruz, Puebla, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Guerrero, Mexico,
Michoacan, and Jalisco. Reports indicate these plants are rather rare in Guatemala where they have been collected on
the southeast portion of Volcan Tacana at elevations up to 9850 ft. (3000 m).
an elevation of 7700 ft. (2350 m), resulting in probable extremes of 91°F (33°C) and 25°F (4°C).
N/ JA FEB MA AP MA JUN JUL AU SEP OCT NO DE
°F AVG MAX 68 72 76 79 7 74 73 72 71 70 70 6
°F AVG MIN 38 41 45 48 8 5 51 50 5 49 47 43 8 3
DIURNAL 30 31 31 31 0 2 23 23 0 2 22 23 27 9 2
RANGE
RAIN/ 0.1 0. 0. 1.5 8 3.2 6.7 3.5 2 4.1 4.9 2.0 0.4 0.2 9
INCHES
HUMIDlTY/ 59 2 58 6 55 56 6 72 72 71 75 70 64 6
%
BLOOM * ** ** ** 2 ** * * * * *2 *
SEASON
DAYS CLR @ 26 24 2 24 9 8 4 8 5 14 20 2
6AM CLR @
DAYS 25 26 4 23 22 11 8 3 5 4 13 22 6 2
12PM
RAIN/MM 3 5 15 38 81 170 89 104 124 51 10 7 5
°C AVG MAX 20. 22.2 24.4 26.1 25.6 23.3 22. 22.2 21.7 21.1 21.1 20.
°C AVG MIN 1
3.4 5. 7. 8.9 10.0 10.6 10. 8 10.0 9.4 8.3 6.1 3.90
DIURNAL 0
16. 17.2 2
17.2 0
17.2 15.6 12.7 12.8 12.2 12.3 12.8 15.0 16.1
RANGE
S/ 7
JU AU SEP OCT NO DEC JAN FEB MA APR MA JU
22-23°p (12-13°C).
HUMIDITY: 70-80%. Humidity in the cloudforest habitat probably is greater than indicated in the climate table, however.
WATER: Rainfall is moderate to heavy for 6 months from late spring to early autumn, but amounts decrease rapidly into a
4- to 6-month dry season that extends into spring. Cultivated plants should be watered heavily and often while actively
growing, but their roots must always be able to dry rapidly after watering. Water should be reduced for cultivated plants
as new growth matures in autumn.
REST PERIOD: Winter days average 68-72°F (20-22°C), and nights average 38-41 °F (3-5°C), with an increased diurnal
range of 29-31 °F (16-17°C). Plants may be grown somewhat warmer than indicated in the preceding climate table, but
for several months in winter, minimum temperatures should drop to at least 50°F (10°C) with an increased diurnal
range. Winter rainfall in the habitat is very low for 5 months, but high humidity and nightly cooling cause frequent
heavy deposits of dew during part of this period, and additional moisture is available from mist and fog. Water should
be reduced but not eliminated for cultivated plants in winter. In most growing areas, the plant’s needs may be met by
somewhat regular early-morning mistings between occasional light waterings, with enough water provided so that the
pseudobulbs do not shrivel. Watering may be particularly beneficial at the beginning of a prolonged period of bright,
sunny weather. Fertilizer should be reduced or eliminated until watering is increased as light levels and temperatures
increase in the spring. The large number of clear days each month during winter indicate that this is the brightest time
of year in the habitat. Consequently, light levels should be maintained as high as possible during the cool, dry rest.
NOTES: The bloom season shown in the climate table is based on cultivation records. In the habitat, flowering occurs in
winter and early spring. These plants are closely related to Rhynchostele cordata (Lindley) Halbinger, but the two may
be distinguished by the broad petals of Rhynchostele maculata that taper rather abruptly to sharp points at their tips
while the narrower petals of Rhynchostele cordata taper gradually along most of their length into long, sharply pointed
tips.

PLANT SIZE AND TYPE: A relatively tall, clump-forming epiphyte that grows 8-16 in. (20-40 cm) tall with growths closely
spaced along a short rhizome.
PSEUDOBULB/STEM: 2.4-4.7 in. (6-12 cm) tall by 1.0-2.4 in. (2.5-6.0 cm) wide. The smooth, oblong, laterally compressed
pseudobulbs are protected at the base by 1-2 sheaths that may or may not terminate in well- developed leaves.
LEAVES: 6-12 in. (15-30 cm) long by 1.2-2.4 in. (3-6 cm) wide. Two lanceolate leaves may develop at the apex of the
pseudobulb, but normally only a single leaf is present. The blades that develop on the sheaths at the base of the
pseudobulb often are as long as the apical leaves, however.
INFLORESCENCE: 8-14 in. (20-35 cm) long. The flattened, lateral to slightly bowed flower spike emerges from the base of a
new pseudobulb and has nodes that are covered by sharply pointed, triangular bracts that are 1.2-2.0 in. (3-5 cm) long.
Each flower is carried on a pedicellate ovary that is 1.4-3.0 in. (3.5-7.5 cm) long.
FLOWERS: 2-7 spreading, showy blossoms are spaced well apart on the inflorescence. The yellow and brown flowers are 1.6-
2.8 in. (4-7 cm) across. The spreading, linear-lanceolate to elliptic-lanceolate sepals are sharply pointed and keeled on
the back. They usually are light to dark brown, but may sometimes be browti at the base and more or less yellow at the
apex. The dorsal sepal is 1.0-1.6 in. (2.5—4.0 cm) long by 0.2-0.4 in. (0.6-1.0 cm) wide. The lateral sepals are slightly
longer but not quite as wide as the dorsal sepal. The petals are yellow with blotches of light to dark brown on the basal
third. They are 1.0-1.2 in. (2.5-3.0 cm) long and may be oblong, widely elliptic, or elliptic to elliptic-obovate. The petals
are only 0.1-0.2 in. (0.3-0.4 cm) wide at the base but spread abruptly to 0.6-1.2 in. (1.5-3.0 cm) wide and hold this width
along most of their length. Near the apex, however, they taper rather abruptly into sharply pointed tips. The widely
spread lip is 0.6-1.0 in. (1.5-2.5 cm) long. It is yellow with blotches of brown or reddish brown over most of its surface.
At the base of the lip is a callus united with a 0.08 in. (0.2 cm) wide claw. The lip blade then spreads abruptly to a
widely triangular heart-shaped blade that is 0.8-1.0 in. (2.0-2.5 cm) wide at its base and tapers gradually to a long,
slender point at the apex. The margins are more or less irregularly notched or toothed. The fleshy, slightly bowshaped
callus has edges that are raised to form a boatlike shape. There is an obscure keel down the center of the callus and 2
teeth at the apex. The yellow, somewhat hairy column is slender and slightly curved. It is 0.4-0.6 in. (1.0-1.5 cm) long
and is slightly widened opposite the stigma.
REFERENCES: 9, 43,122,184, 185, 186, 195, 198, 276, 421, 436, 441, 444
Rhynchostele madrensis (Rchb. f.) Soto Arenas & Salazar AKA: Cymbiglossum madrense (Rchb. f.)
Halbinger, Lemboglossum madrense (Rchb. f.) Halbinger, Odontoglossum madrense Rchb. f. To say that this orchid has a
confused history would be an understatement. The younger Reichenbach first described this plant as Odontoglossum ma-
drense. It was then considered a synonym of Odontoglossum maxillare for many years, which is the synonymy included in
some older literature. In 1951, however, L. O. Williams considered both Odontoglossum madrense and Odontoglossum
maxillare synonyms of Odontoglossum maculatum. Somewhat later, taxonomists decided that Odontoglossum madrensis
was sufficiently different to justify giving it status as a separate species, but Odontoglossum maxillare was made a
synonym of Odon- toglossom apterum. Then, in 1983, Halbinger moved all the Mexican and Central American
odontoglossums to the genus Cymbiglossum, but because of taxonomic problems with that name, they were moved to the
genus Lemboglossum about a year later. Then, in 1993, this enire group of orchids was moved to the genus Rhynchostele
by the Mexican taxonomists Miguel Soto Arenas and Gerardo A. Salazar.
ORIGIN/HABITAT: Mexico. This orchid is found in the Sierra Madre del Sur in the states of Guerrero and Oaxaca. Plants
grow in mixed cloudforests at 6550-8850 ft. (2000-2700 m).
an elevation of7700 ft. (2350 m), resultingin probable extremes of 91 °F (33°C) and 25°F (-4°C).
N/ JA FEB MA AP MA JU JUL AU SEP OCT NO DE
HEMISPHER
°F N
AVG MAX 68 72 76 R 79
R Y 78 N 74 73 7G 71 7 VC 6
70
°F AVG MIN 38 41 45 48 5 51 50 2 5 4 0 47 43 8 3
0 0 9 9
DIURNAL 30 31 31 31 2 23 23 2 2 2 27 2
RANGE
RAIN/ 0.1 0.2 0.6 1.5 83.2 6.7 3.5 2 4.1 2 4.9 32.0 0.4 0.2 9
INCHES
HUMIDITY/ 59 5 55 56 6 72 72 71 75 7 64 6
%
BLOOM 8 * 2 * *0 * *2
SEASON
DAYS CLR © 26 2 24 24 9 8 4 8 5 14 20 2
6AM
DAYSCLR © 25 4 2 23 22 11 8 3 5 4 13 22 6 2
12PM
RAIN/MM 3 6 5 15 38 81 170 89 104 124 51 10 7 5
°C AVG MAX 20. 22.2 24.4 26.1 25.6 23.3 22. 22.2 21.7 21.1 21.1 20.
°C AVG MIN 13.4 5.0 7.2 8.9 10.0 10.6 8 10.0 10.0 9.4 8.3 6.1 0 3.9
DIURNAL 16. 17.2 17.2 17.2 15.6 12.7 12.8 12.2 12.3 12.8 15.0 16.1
RANGE
S/ 7
JU AU SEP OCT NO DE JAN FEB MA APR MA JU
HEMISPHER L G V C R YN
TEMPERATURES: Summer days average 72-74°F (22-24°C), and nights average 50-51°F (10-ll°C), with a diurnal range of 22-
23°F
(12-13°C).
HUMIDITY: Near 70% from summer through early autumn, dropping to 55-60% in winter and early spring. Average
humidity in the cloudforest habitat probably is somewhat greater than indicated in the climate table.
WATER: Rainfall is moderate to heavy for 6 months from late spring to early autumn, but averages then decrease rapidly
and conditions are dry for the next 4-6 months, with the dry season lasting until the following spring. Cultivated plants
should be watered heavily and often while actively growing, but their roots must dry rapidly after watering. Water
should be reduced for cultivated plants as new growth matures in autumn.
(17°C). Rhynchostele madrensis may adapt to conditions somewhat warmer than indicated. Even if grown warmer,
however, winter minimum temperatures should drop to at least 50°F (10°C). Winter rainfall in the habitat is very low
for 5 months, but high humidity and nightly cooling cause frequent, heavy deposits of dew for part of the dry season and
additional moisture is available from fog and mist. Cultivated plants need less water, but they should not stay dry for
long periods. In most growing areas, somewhat regular early-morning mistings between occasional light waterings
should provide the dry rest while keeping the plant from becoming too dry. Enough water should be given so that the
pseudobulbs do not shrivel. The large number of clear days during each winter month indicates that this is the brightest
time of year in the habitat. Winter light should be as high as possible during the cool, dry rest. Fertilizer should be
reduced or eliminated until watering is increased in the spring.
NOTES: The bloom season shown in the climate table is based on cultivation records.

PLANT SIZE AND TYPE: A moderately large, 10-15 in. (25-38 cm) sympodial epiphyte with clustered growths.
PSEUDOBULB/STEM: Up to 5 in. (12 cm) long by 1 in. (2.5 cm) wide. The oblong, clear-green pseudobulbs, which are laterally
flattened, are partially covered at the base by 1-2 sheaths which often carry well-developed leaves.
LEAVES: 5-10 in. (13-26 cm) long by 0.6-1.2 in. (1.6-3.0 cm) wide. Each growth usually carries 2 sharply pointed, arching,
linear-lanceolate leaves at the apex of each pseudobulb. Rarely, however, 1 or 3 may be produced. Blades on the basal
sheaths are similar to the apical leaves, but they usually are a little smaller.
INFLORESCENCE: 4-10 in. (10-25 cm) long. An erect to slightly arching flower spike emerges at the base of the pseudobulb. It
is initially protected by a basal sheath. Each flower is carried on a pedicellate ovary that is 1.6-2.0 in. (4—5 cm) long.
FLOWERS: 2-7 per inflorescence. The widely spread, fragrant blossoms are carried in a fairly tight cluster at the apex of each
inflorescence. Flowers are 1.6-2.0 in. (4—5 cm) across and are white with dark brown or reddish brown markings near
the base of the sepals and petals. The base of the lip is decorated with a yellow semicircle. Occasionally, the lip may be
marked with one to several brown-red blotches. The callus is yellowish orange, marked occasionally with red streaks or
blotches. The sharply pointed, lanceolate sepals are keeled on the back side and are 1.4 in. (3.5 cm) long by 0.5 in. (1.2
cm) wide at the base. The spreading, obliquely held, oblong petals are 1.3 in. (3.4 cm) long by 0.6 in. (1.5 cm) wide at the
base, and they have a short, sharply pointed, triangular projection at the apex. An elongated brown patch at the base of
the petals is larger than the patch of color at the base of the sepals. The lip is smaller than the other segments,
measuring about 1 in. (2.5 cm) long by 0.6 in. (1.4 cm) wide with a sharply pointed, triangular blade. The high, fleshy
callus at the base of the lip has raised sides that give it a boatlike shape. It also has 2 small, fleshy projections at the
apex. The slender, curved col
umn is up to 0.5 in. (1.3 cm) long and is slightly widened on each side at the stigma.
REFERENCES: 184,185, 186, 195,421,436
Rhynchostele majalis (Rchb. f.) Soto Arenas & Salazar

AKA: Odontoglossum majale Rchb. f., Cymbiglossum majale (Rchb. f.) Hal- binger, Lemboglossum majale (Rchb. f.)
Halbinger, Odontoglossum platycheilum Weathers
ORIGIN/HABITAT: Guatemala and Mexico. Plants grow in mixed pine and oak cloudforests in the Alta Verapaz and
Chimaltenango regions in the mountains of northern Guatemala. Collections have been reported near Coban and
Guatemala City at 6900-8550 ft. (2100-2600 m). The McQueens (1992) reported that these plants have also been found
near the Guatemalan border in the Sierra Madre de Chiapas of southern Mexico, but this habitat is evidently being
threatened by logging.
an elevation of7700 ft. (2350 m), resulting in probable extremes of 91°F (33°C) and 25°F (-4°C).
N/HEMISPHERE °F AVG MAX °F AVG MIN DIURNAL RANGE RAIN/INCHES HUMlDITY/% BLOOM SEASON DAYS CLR @ 6AM DAYS CLR
@ 12PM RAIN/MM °C AVG MAX °C AVG MIN DIURNAL RANGE S/HEMISPHERE
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
68 72 76 79 78 74 73 72 71 70 70 68
38 41 45 48 50 51 50 50 49 47 43 39
30 31 31 31 28 23 23 22 22 23 27 29
0.1 0.2 0.6 1.5 3.2 6.7 3.5 4.1 4.9 2.0 0.4 0.2
59 58 55 56 62 72 72 71 75 70 64 62
26 24 24 24 9 8 4 8 5 14 20 26
25 26 23 22 11 8 3 5 4 13 22 27
3 5 15 38 81 170 89 104 124 51 10 5
20.1 22.2 24.4 26.1 25.6 23.3 22.8 22.2 21.7 21.1 21.1 20.0
3.4 5.0 7.2 8.9 10.0 10.6 10.0 10.0 9.4 8.3 6.1 3.9
16.7 17.2 17.2 17.2 15.6 12.7 12.8 12.2 12.3 12.8 15.0 16.1
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
TEMPERATURES: Summer days average 72-74°F (22-24°C), and nights average 50-51 °F (10-11°C), with a diurnal range of
22-23°F (12-13°C). These plants may adapt to somewhat warmer temperatures, but high humidity must be maintained
and strong air movement provided at all times.
HUMIDITY: 80-85% year-round in the cloudforest habitat.
WATER: Rainfall is moderate to heavy throughout the year. Cultivated plants should be watered frequently while actively
growing, but the roots must be able to dry fairly quickly after watering.
(17°C). These plants may adapt to conditions somewhat warmer than indicated. Even if grown warmer, however, winter
minimum temperatures should drop to at least 50°F (10°C) for several months. Winter rainfall in the habitat is very low
for 5 months, but high humidity and nightly cooling cause frequent, heavy deposits of dew for part of the dry season and
additional water is available from fog and mist, so the cloudforest habitat does not become extremely dry. Cultivated
plants need less water, but they should not stay dry for long periods. In most growing areas, somewhat regular early-
morning mistings between occasional light waterings should provide the dry rest while keeping the plant from
becoming too dry. Enough water should be given so that the pseudobulbs do not shrivel. The large number of clear days
during each winter month indicates that this is the brightest time of year in the habitat. Winter light should be as high
as possible during the cool, dry rest. Fertilizer should be reduced or eliminated until watering is increased in the spring
when temperatures warm and the days become longer.
spring. The McQueens (1992) report that these small plants are fairly fragile and may be slow to establish.
PLANT SIZE AND TYPE: A 6-10 in. (16-25 cm) tall sympodial epiphyte with growths spaced up to 0.4 in. (1 cm) apart on the
rhizome.
PSEUDOBULB/STEM: 1.6-2.8 in. (4-7 cm) long. The ovoid to ovoid-ellip. soidal pseudobulbs are 0.8-1.0 in. (2.0-2.5 cm) wide
and are enclosed at the base by thin, dry, light brown sheaths that are up to 4 in. (10 cm) long and are folded
longitudinally.
LEAVES: 4-12 in. (10-30 cm) long. A single somewhat leathery, linear to strap-shaped leaf is carried at the apex of each
pseudobulb. The leaf is rather bluntly pointed at the tip, and it is folded longitudinally to form a short stem at the base.
INFLORESCENCE: 4-6 in. (10-14 cm) long. The erect to somewhat arching peduncle emerges from the base of the pseudobulb
on new growths and is enveloped for the most part by long, thin, dry, membranous sheaths. Each flower is carried on a
triangular pedicellate ovary that is 1.2-2.0 in. (3-5 cm) long.
FLOWERS: 2-4 showy blossoms are carried on each inflorescence. The flowers are 1.4-1.8 in. (3.5—4.5 cm) across and are
rose- to pale pink-colored with spots of red-purple or carmine-red, particularly on the lip. The oblong-lanceolate sepals
and the oblong-elliptic petals are about the same size and have sharply pointed tips. They are held in somewhat for-
ward-pointing positions, particularly the concave dorsal sepal that forms a hood over the column. The lip is 0.7-1.1 in.
(1.7-2.8 cm) long. It has a short claw at the base but spreads abruptly into a widely spread blade that is 0.7-1.3 in. (1.7-
3.2 cm) wide, has a somewhat wavy margin, and is rounded at the apex. The fleshy white callus has an extended central
section and edges that are raised to form boatlike sides. The raised sides of the callus extend beyond the claw as 2 blunt
tips. The straight, slender to club-shaped, white column is 0.5-0.6 in. (1.2-1.5 cm) long and is narrowly winged at the
apex.
REFERENCES: 9, 29, 43, 184,185,186,195,198, 274, 421,436
Rhynchostele pygmaea (Lindley) Rchb. f.

AKA: Odontoglossum pygmaeum Lindley, Oncidium pygmaeum (Lindley)
Beer, Dignathe pygmaeus Lindley, Leochilus dignathe (Lindley) Schlechter, Leochiluspygmaeus (Lindley) Bentham &
Hooker ex Jackson ORIGIN/HABITAT: Mexico and Guatemala. In Mexico, this orchid is reported to be very rare and is found
only in the southern state of Chiapas. Plants are somewhat more common in Guatemala, where they grow in humid mixed
forests at 6550-9850 ft. (2000-3000 m) and have been collected in the departments of Amatitlan, Chimaltenango, Quiche,
San Marcos, and Solola.
calculated for an elevation of 8200 ft. (2500 m), resulting in probable extremes of 77°F (25°C) and30°F (-1°C).
N/ JA FEB MA AP MA JUN JUL AU SEP OC NO DE
HEMISPHER
°F AVG MAX N
61 6 6R R 6 Y 6 65 6 6G 64 T 61
61 V 60C
°F AVG MIN 41 3 4 6 4 9 4 8 4 48 6 4 6 4 48 46 44 43
DIURNAL 20 2 21 4 2 7 2 9 19 17 8 18 8 18 16 15 17 17
RANGE
RAIN/ 0.1 0.0 0.7 2 2
0.8 4.5 10.0 11.0 9.0 10.4 4.1 0.6 0.6
INCHES
HUMIDITY/ 75 72 74 7 74 81 77 81 84 80 78 77
%
BLOOM * * 3
SEASON
DAYS CLR @ 10 8 12 5 2 1 0 2 0 2 8 10
6AM CLR @
DAYS 18 21 2 18 5 2 2 5 1 7 10 14
12PM
RAIN/MM 3 0 2 18 2 114 254 279 229 264 104 15 15
°C AVG MAX 16. 17.2 18.9 20.0 20. 18.3 18.9 18.9 17.8 16.1 16.1 15.
°C AVG MIN 15.0 5.6 6.7 6 0
8.3 9.4 8.9 8.9 8.9 8.9 7.8 6
6.7 6-1
DIURNAL 11.1 11.6 12.2 12.3 10.6 9.4 10. 10.0 8.9 8.3 9.4 9-5
RANGE
S/ JU AU SEP OCT NO DEC JA 0 FEB MA AP MA JU
■Fcuitttral Recommendations
■PgMPERATURES: Summer days average 65-66°F (18-19°C), and nights T average 48°F (9°C), with a diurnal range of 17-
18°F (10°C). The K > warmest days of the year occur in spring when days average 66-69°F | (19-21°C), nights average
44-49°F (7-9°C), and the diurnal range is
K 19-22°F (11-12°C). Because of the effects of microclimate, maximum K temperatures in the habitat may be a little
warmer than indicated in the K preceding table, but they should still be kept rather cool.
■ HUMIDITY: 75-80% most of the year, dropping to 70-75% in winter and | spring and increasing briefly to near 85% in late
summer or early I autumn. Conditions in the habitat may be somewhat greater than is indi- | cated in the preceding
climate table.
I WATER: Rainfall is heavy during the growing season from late spring to f early autumn. The rainfall pattern is
wet/dry, with a 6-month dry season
i from autumn into spring. Plants are described as growing in humid for
ests, however, so additional moisture probably is available from heavy dew and early-morning mist, even during most
of the dry season. Cultivated plants should be watered heavily while actively growing, but drainage must be excellent,
and conditions around the roots should become somewhat dry between waterings.
REST PERIOD: Winter days average 60-63°F (16-17°C), while nights average 41 -43 °F (5-6°C), with diurnal range of 17-
21°F (10-12°C). The climate for Guatemala City shows a very dry period from late autumn through early spring, but
the dry period in the habitat probably is not as long or as severe as indicated in the preceding climate table for the
lower-elevation weather station. Water should be reduced for cultivated plants in autumn, with occasional early-
morning mistings between a light watering given every 2-3 weeks. Water should be reduced further in winter and
limited to occasional mistings between infrequent light waterings for 2-3 months. Plants should become somewhat
dry between waterings, but enough water should be given to keep the pseudobulbs from shriveling. Fertilizer should
be reduced or eliminated until new growth starts and heavier watering is resumed in spring.
NOTES: The bloom season shown in the climate table is based on reports from the habitat.

PLANT SIZE AND TYPE: A small, up to 5.5 in. (14 cm) sympodial epiphyte. Growths are clustered on a short rhizome.
PSEUDOBULB/STEM: 0.4-1.2 in. (1-3 cm) long by 0.2-0.4 in. (0.5-1.0 cm) wide. The ellipsoid or egg-shaped to ellipsoid
pseudobulb is laterally compressed with 2 sharp edges and is more or less covered by sharply pointed, whitish, basal
sheaths that are up to 1.2 in. (3 cm) long.
LEAVES: 0.8-4.3 in. (2-11 cm) long by 0.2-0.4 in. (0.5-1.0 cm) wide. A single erect to arching, flexible, linear to linear-
elliptic or linear-lanceolate leaf is carried at the apex of each pseudobulb. It is sharply pointed at the tip, tapers
gradually to a narrow base, is folded longitudinally along the midvein from about the middle to the base, and is
strongly keeled on the lower surface. •
INFLORESCENCE: About 2 in. (5 cm) long. The flower spike emerges from the base of a recently matured pseudobulb along
the axil of a basal sheath. Flowers are carried in a raceme on the upper half of the spike.
FLOWERS: 1-3 small blossoms usually are carried on each inflorescence, but more occasionally may be produced. The
greenish sepals and petals are variably covered with red spots or blotches. The lip and column are yellowish white.
Flowers are about 0.4 in. (1 cm) across with rather widely spread, oblique petals and lateral sepals. The erect, concave
dorsal sepal arches forward to be held hoodlike over the column. The elliptic dorsal sepal is bluntly pointed, keeled on
the back side, and 0.2 in. (0.5 cm) long by 0.1 in. (0.25-0.3 cm) wide. The lateral sepals are egg shaped to elliptic,
sharply pointed, keeled on the back, concave, and 0.2 in. (0.5 cm) long by about 0.1 in. (0.25 cm) wide. The widely
elliptic petals are rather bluntly pointed and are 0.2 in. (0.4-0.5 cm) long by 0.08-0.1 in. (0.2-0.25 cm) wide. The 3-
lobed lip is somewhat fiddleshaped, 0.2 in. (0.5-0.6 cm) long by 0.1 in. (0.25 cm) wide across the lateral lobes in their
natural position and 0.1-0.2 in. (0.3-0.4 cm) wide across the spreading, egg-shaped midlobe. The small, fleshy,
slightly rounded lateral lobes are held somewhat erect to form a channel at the base of the lip. They are separated by a
callus that is grooved along its axis. The widely spread midlobe is about 0.2 in. (0.4 cm) long, is rounded to very
bluntly pointed at the apex, and has somewhat wavy margins. The slender, winged column is fleshy, widened near the
tip, and up to 0.1 in. (0.3 cm) long.
REFERENCES: 9, 43,184,185,186, 421,436
Rhynchostele rossii (Lindley) Soto Arenas & Salazar

AKA: Odontoglossum rossii Lindley, Cymbiglossum rossii (Lindley) Hal- binger, Lemboglossum rossii (Lindley)
Halbinger, Odontoglossum asper- sum Rchb. f., Odontoglossum asperum Rchb. f., Odontoglossum coerulescens
Richard & Galeotti, Odontoglossum rossii subvar. coerulescens (Richard & Galeotti) Veitch, Odontoglossum rubescens
Lindley, Odontoglossum rossii subvar. rubescens (Lindley) Veitch, Odontoglossum warnerianum Rchb. f.,
Odontoglossum rossii var. wamerianum (Rchb. f.) Veitch, Odontoglossum rossii var. albens Gower, Odontoglossum
rossii Lindley var. majus Rchb. f., Odontoglossum rossii [var.] amesianum Williams, Odontoglossum rossii subvar.
virescens Veitch. In addition, some authors also include Odontoglossum humeanum Rchb. f., Odontoglossum youngii
Gower, Oncidium coerulescens (Lindley) Beer, Oncidium rossii (Lindley) Beer as synonyms.
ORIGIN/HABITAT: Rhynchostele rossii is widely distributed in Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico. In Mexico it is
found in the states of Veracruz, Puebla, Mexico, Oaxaca, and Chiapas. It usually grows on trees in mixed cloudforests at
6560-7870 ft. (2000-2400 m), but some plants have been found as high as 9840 ft. (3000 m).
an elevation of 7250 ft. (2210 m), resulting in record extreme temperatures of 93°F (34°C) and27°F(-3°C).
N/ JA FEB MA APR MA JUN JUL AU SEP OCT NO DE
°F AVG MAX 70 74 7 81 8 76 75 74 73 72 72 70
°F AVG MIN 40 4 8 47 5 0 52 53 52 52 51 49 45 41
DIURNAL 30 3 31 31 0 31 2 23 23 22 22 23 27 29
RANGE
RAIN/ 0.1 0.2 0.6 1.5 8 3.2 6.7 3.5 4.1 4.9 2.0 0.4 0.2
INCHES
HUMIDITY/ 59 5 55 5 6 72 72 71 75 70 64 62
%
BLOOM *** 8 ** ** 6 ** 2 * * * * * * ** **
SEASON
DAYS CLR @ 26 * 2 * 2 * 2 9 8 4 8 5 14 20 26
6AM
DAYS CLR @ 25 4 2 4 2 4 2 11 8 3 5 4 13 22 27
12PM
RAIN/MM 3 6 5 3 15 2 3 81 170 89 104 124 51 10 5
a
C AVG MAX 21.1 23.3 25.6 8
27.2 26.7 24.6 24. 23.3 22.8 22.2 22.2 21.1
°C AVG MIN 4.4 5.9 8.1 9.8 10.9 11.5 10.9 0 10.9 10.3 9.2 7.0 4.8
DIURNAL 16. 17.4 17.5 17.4 15.8 13.1 13.1 12.4 12.5 13.0 15.2 16.
RANGE
S/ 7
JU AU SEP OCT NO DE JAN FEB MA APR MA 3JU
22-23°F (12-13°C). Cultivated plants may easily tolerate temperatures somewhat warmer than indicated if high
humidity and strong air movement are provided.
HUMIDITY: 70-75% in summer and early autumn at the weather station, dropping to 55-60% in winter and spring. Averages
in the cloudforest habitat probably are 70-80% year-round, however.
WATER: Rainfall is moderate to heavy for 6 months from late spring to early autumn, but amounts decrease rapidly into a
4- to 6-month dry season
that extends into spring. Cultivated plants should be watered heavily and JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
70
75 75 72 72 72 71 69
often while actively growing, but their roots must always be able to dry 67 70 74 68
50
46 44
41 43 44 47 50 53 52 52 53 20
23 24
rapidly after watering. Water should be reduced for cultivated plants as 26 27 30 28 25 19 20 20 18 -8 0.3 1
0.4
new growth matures in autumn. T 0.3 0.3 1.1 2.2 5.2 3.4 4.6 6.5
REST PERIOD: Winter days average 70-74°F (21-23°C), and nights average N/A** ** **
40-43°F (4-6°C), with an increased diurnal range of 29-31 °F (16-17°C). N/A 1 8 8
Plants may be grown somewhat warmer than indicated, but for several 19.4 21.1 23.3 5.0 29 56 131 87 117 166 45
8 o
months, lows should drop below 50°F (10°C) with an increased diurnal 6.1 6.7
23.9 23.9 22.2
8.3 10.0 11.7
22.2 22.2 21.7 21
-1 20.6 20.0 10-
range. Winter rainfall in the habitat is very low for 5 months, but high 14.4 15.0 16.6 JUL
15.6 13.9 10.5
11.1 11.1 11.7 0 7.8 6.7 1!.1 12.8
AUG SEP 11.1 11.1 10.0 JAN 13.3 APR MAY
humidity and nightly cooling cause frequent heavy deposits of dew OCT NOV DEC
FEB MAR JUN
during part of this period. In addition, more moisture is available from
fog and mist, so the habitat does not become extremely dry. Water should be reduced but not eliminated for cultivated
plants in winter. In most growing areas, somewhat regular early-morning mistings between occasional light waterings
should provide the necessary drier rest while keeping the plant from becoming too dry. Water should be increased a
little if pseudobulbs start to shrivel. Fertilizer should be reduced or eliminated until watering is increased in spring. The
large number of clear days each month during winter indicate that this is the brightest time of year in the habitat.
Consequently, light levels should be maintained as high as possible, short of burning the foliage, during the cool, dry
rest.
NOTES: The bloom season shown in the climate table is based on cultivation records. Because of flower shape and color, the
winter flowering Rhynchostele rossii often is confused with the smaller flowered, summer blooming Rhynchostele
ehrenbergii. An additional distinction is that the markings on the sepals of Rhynchostele ehrenbergii form bars and
transverse blotches instead of the rounded spots found on Rhynchostele rossii.
PLANT SIZE AND TYPE: A small, often clump-forming epiphytic plant with growths 4-10 in. (10-25 cm) tall.
PSEUDOBULB/STEM: 1.2-2.5 in. (3-6 cm) long. The clustered, oval pseudobulbs often are yellowish in color. They become
very compressed, curved, and wrinkled with age.
LEAVES: 1 per growth. The somewhat leathery, elliptic leaf is 2-8 in. (5-20 cm) long and rises from the top of the
pseudobulb.
INFLORESCENCE: 2.5-8.0 in. (6-20 cm) long. The erect or curving inflorescence arises from the base of the mature
pseudobulb.
FLOWERS: 1^1 per inflorescence. Each showy flower is 2-3 in. (5.0-7.5 cm) across. Blossoms are pale yellow, white, or pale
pink with rounded blotches of brown or reddish brown covering most of the sepals and the basal part of the petals. The
large, rounded lip usually is white or pale pink, and is about 1 in. (2.5 cm) across with slightly ruffled edges.
REFERENCES: 9,184, 185, 186,195, 198, 199, 274, 303, 421,436, 444
Rhynchostele Stellata (Lindley) Soto Arenas & Salazar

AKA: Odontoglossum stellatum Lindley, Cymbiglossum stellatum (Lindley) Halbinger, Lemboglossum stellatum (Lindley)
Halbinger, Odontoglossum erosum Richard & Galeotti, Oncidium erosum (Richard & Galeotti) Beer
ORIGIN/HABITAT: Mexico, Central America, and northern South Ameria.
. Plants grow from the state of Chiapas in southern Mexico southward through Guatemala, EI Salvador, and Costa Rica
as well as Venezuela. Plants usually grow on trees in wet cloudforests at elevations of 5580-8200 ft. (1700-2500 m),
although some plants are found as high as 9850 ft. (3000 m). In Guatemala, plants have been reported on south facing
slopes near the summit of Volcan Santa Clara and near the summit of Monte Virgen as well as in numerous other
locations.
CLIMATE: Station #76845, San Cristobal, Chiapas, Mexico, Lat. 16.7°N, Long. 92.6°W, at 7468 ft. (2276 m). Record extreme
temperatures are not available for this location.
N/HEMISPHERE °F AVG MAX °F AVG MIN DIURNAL RANGE RAIN/INCHES HUMIDITY/% BLOOM SEASON DAYS CLR RAIN/MM °C AVG
MAX °C AVG MIN DIURNAL RANGE S/HEMISPHERE
TEMPERATURES: Summer days average 72°F (22°C), and nights average 52-53°F (11-12°C), with a diurnal range of 19-20°F
(H°C). The greatest diurnal range occurs in early spring. Because Rhynchostele stellata grows over a relatively wide
range of elevations, cultivated plants should easily adapt to growing temperatures that are 6-10°F (3-6°C) warmer or
cooler than those indicated by the climate data.
HUMIDITY: Information is not available for this location. However, the wet cloudforest habitat indicates that humidity
probably averages near 80% all year.
WATER: Rainfall is moderate in summer, but conditions become very dry for 5-6 months in winter. During most of the year,
however, additional water is available from dew, mist, and fog in the cloudforest habitat. Cultivated plants should be
watered heavily when actively growing, but they should dry out somewhat between waterings. Water should be reduced
somewhat in autumn, but plants should not be allowed to dry out completely.
(13-15°C). At the weather station, rainfall is low for 5-6 months in winter, More mois ture is available in the cloudforest
habitat, however, from heavy dew, fog, and mist. Water should be reduced but not eliminated for cultivated plants in
winter. In most growing areas, water requirements may be met by occasional early-morning mistings between light
waterings that are given every 2 weeks or so. Fertilizer should be reduced or eliminated until active growth starts and
heavier watering is resumed in spring.
NOTES: Plants bloom in late winter or early spring in nature.

PLANT SIZE AND TYPE: A small sympodial epiphyte with growths to 8 in. (20 cm) tall.
PSEUDOBULB/STEM: 1.8-2.5 in. (2-6 cm) tall. The tall, slender pseudobulbs, which are ovoid-ellipsoid to cylindrical and
slightly flattened, are surrounded by sheaths that become dry with age.
LEAVES: 2.6-6.0 in. (6.5-15.0 cm) long. A single, pale green leaf arises from the top of each pseudobulb.
INFLORESCENCE: The 1.0-3.5 in. (2.5-8.5 cm) long peduncle emerges from base of the pseudobulb. It is slender and usually
concealed by the scarious sheaths.
FLOWERS: 1-2 per inflorescence. The showy, star-shaped blossoms are rather small, measuring 1.5-1.8 in. (3.5-4.5 cm)
across. Sepals and petals are narrow, pointed, and yellowish brown. The lip may be white to pale lilac.
REFERENCES: 9,122,138,184,185,186, 195,198, 303,421,436,444
Rhynchostele uroskinneri (Lindley) Soto Arenas & Salazar : AKA: Cymbiglossum uroskinneri
(Lindley) Halbinger, Lemboglossum uroskinneri (Lindley) Halbinger, Odontoglossum uroskinneri Lindley. .
Even today, these plants are sometimes labeled, sold, and shown as Lem- 1 tL^oglossum uroskinneri or
Odontoglossum uroskinneri. Rhynchostele uroskinneri is very similar to Rhynchostele bictoniensis, but Rhyn- E chostele
bictoniensis has smaller flowers with narrower segments. EIGIN/HABITAT: Guatemala. This orchid is endemic to the
department of fc.golola where plants grow in the mountains of the Pacific slope near E Santa Catarina at 5900-7200 ft.
(1800-2200 m). Plants usually grow ■> on rocks, but sometimes they are attached to trees or the surface of the Ri ground
in humid mixed forests.
ILIMATE: Station #78641, Guatemala City, Guatemala, Lat. 14.6°N, Long, k 90.5°W, at 4885 ft. (1489 m).
Temperatures are calculated for an eleva- F tion of 6500 ft. (1980 m), resulting in probable extremes of 83°F (28°C)
|F and 36°F (2°C).
E/ JA FEB MA APR MA JUN JUL AU SEP OCT NO DE
N R 75 Y74 71 72 7G 70 67 VC 6
EAVGMAX
HEWSPHERE 67 6 72 67
K.FAVGMIN 47 9 4 5 53 55 54 54 2 5 54 52 50 6 4
K'DIURNAL 20 8 21 0 2 22 19 17 18 4 18 16 15 17 9 17
2
MAIN/INCHES 0.1 0.0 0.7 0.8 4.5 10.0 11.0 9.0 10.4 4.1 0.6 0.6
1 75 72 7 73 74 81 77 81 84 80 78 7
HUMIDITY/%
E BLOOM ** *4 * * ** ** ** ** ** ** *7 *
I DAYS CLR 10 8 12 5 2 1 0 2 0 2 8 1
I© 6AM 18 21 2 18 5 2 2 5 1 7 10 0 1
I RAIN/MM 3 0 18 20 114 254 279 229 264 104 15 1
T.'CAVGMAX 19. 20. 22.2 23.9 23.3 21.8 22.3 22.2 21.1 19.4 5
19.4 18.
4 8.7
f 'CAVGMIN 8.3 6 9.8 11.5 12.6 12.0 12.0 12.0 12.0 10.9 9
9.8 9.3
DIURNAL 11.1 11.9 12.4 12.4 10.7 9.8 10.3 10.2 9.1 8.5 9.6 9.6
RANGE
S/ JU AU SEP OCT NO DEC JAN FEB MA AP MA JU
HEMISPHER L G V R R Y N
I Cultural Recommendations
E TEMPERATURES: Summer days average 71-72°F (22°C), and nights average | 54°F (12°C), with a diurnal range of 17-
18°F (10°C). Spring is the
I warmest season of the year with days that average 74-75°F (23-24°C) I and has the largest diurnal range that averages 19-
22°F (11-12°C).
| HUMIDITY: 75-80% most of the year, dropping to near 70% for a month or
t so in late winter.
| WATER: Rainfall is heavy during growing season from late spring to early J autumn. The rainfall pattern is wet/dry, with 6
dry months from autumn through spring. The habitat is located in areas that frequently are bathed in fog and mist,
however, with additional moisture available from heavy dew. Cultivated plants should be kept moist but should become
somewhat dry between waterings. Water should be reduced in autumn, but plants should not dry out completely.
REST PERIOD: Winter days average 66-69°F (19-20°C), and nights average 47-49°F (8-9°C), with a diurnal range of 17-
21°F (9-12°C). The climate in Guatemala City shows a very dry period from late autumn through early spring. In the
cloudforest habitat, however, the dry season is not as long or as severe as indicated in the climate table. Visitors to
the habitat report 10-15 days of rain per month for about 9 months of the year, and during the dry season, rain falls
about once a week. In cultivation, plants need a light watering every 2-3 weeks with occasional misting between
waterings in autumn. Plants need only occasional mistings for 2-3 months in winter, but the pseudobulbs should not
shrivel. Fertilizer should be reduced or eliminated until heavier watering is resumed in spring.
GROWING MEDIA: Rhynchostele uroskinneri has a tendency to climb out of the pot or basket, and this makes it a likely
candidate for mounting on slabs of cork or tree fern fiber if high humidity can be maintained, and if water can be
applied at least once daily in summer. If potted, a very open, fast-draining medium that passes water freely should be
used since plants will die if roots remain wet and soggy. Mixes using medium-sized fir bark or tree-fern fiber are used by
most growers, sometimes with 10% charcoal and perlite or chopped sphagnum moss added. Undersized pots large
enough to hold the roots should be used, and repotting should be done just as new root growth is starting.
NOTES: The bloom season indicated above is based on cultivation reports. In nature, plants bloom from autumn to early
winter.

PLANT SIZE AND TYPE: A robust, 16 in. (40 cm) sympodial plant that usually is lithophytic, sometimes terrestrial, and
occasionally epiphytic.
PSEUDOBULB/STEM: 4 in. (10 cm) long. The ovoid, compressed pseudobulbs are closely spaced along a short, ascending
rhizome. The base is covered by 3-4 leaflike sheaths.
LEAVES: 8-12 in. (20-30 cm) long. One to three leaves are carried at the apex of the pseudobulb.
INFLORESCENCE: Up to 39 in. (100 cm) long. The erect, greenish brown inflorescence may be either simple or branched, and
arises from the base of the pseudobulb.
FLOWERS: 7-25 per inflorescence. The large, long-lasting, showy flowers are 2-3 in. (5-8 cm) across. Sepals and petals are
deep red or greenish and are barred and mottled with brown. The large, triangular lip is white and is more or less
marbled with spots, blotches, and lines of pale to strong rose-lilac.
REFERENCES: 9, 29, 43, 184, 185, 186, 198, 258, 301, 421, 436, 441, 445, 446
SUBTRIBE: Oncidiinae
GENUS: Rodriguezia Ruiz & Pavon
AKA: Burlingtonia Lindley. Most of the species that were formerly placed in Burlingtonia are now considered to be in
Rodriguezia.
SPECIES: Some 40-50 species are now in this genus.
ORIGIN/HABITAT: Rodriguezia species are found mostly in South America, but a few occur in Central America, with one
found as far north as Mexico. Most of the species grew in the hot, humid lowlands, but a few are found at higher
elevations. Growers should check the individual species listings to determine the specific habitat for each species.
CLIMATE: Plants in this genus may require cool, intermediate, or warm conditions, so it is important that growers check the
individual species listings for the specific climatic conditions required by each species.
LIGHT: 2000-3000 fc. Light should be filtered or diffused, and plants should not be exposed to direct midday sun. Strong
air movement should be provided at all times.
TEMPERATURES: See individual species listings for specific requirements for each species. Those cooler-growing species
requiring average maximum temperatures in summer below 75-80°F (24—28°C) may tolerate brief peri ods of
temperatures warmer than those indicated in the climate table if humidity is high, if air movement is strong, and if the
plant is able to cool

Rhynchostele (Baker)

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Rhynchostele (Baker)

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Rhynchostele

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Rhynchostele bictoniensis (Bateman ex Lindley) Soto Arenas & Salazar

Rhynchostele cordata (Lindley) Soto Arenas & Salazar

NOTES: The bloom season shown in the climate table is based on 57 53 48 49 58 70 69 70 72 67 63 61

cloudforest habitat. Water should be reduced for cultivated plants in

between occasional light waterings. Fertilizer should be reduced or 15 5

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IRhynchostele londesboroughiana (Rchb. f.) Soto Arenas &

Cultural Recommendations HEMISPHE G V R YN

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Rhynchostele Stellata (Lindley) Soto Arenas & Salazar

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