Gravendeelia chamaelepanthes

We have previously known this plant as Trichosalpinx chamaelepanthes but in 2018 it was moved to its own separate genus of Gravendeelia based on DNA studies that found it sufficiently separate from other genera in the Pleurothallis family.  Here is a link if you would like to read more. In summary this species is most closely related to the genus Lepanthopsis (see Lepanthospsis astrophora here) not Trichosalpinx but not so close that it coulkd usefully be included in Lepanthopsis.

The species is widespread and found from Colombia through to Bolivia in wet forests up to 3600m. This range makes it a straightforward cool growing species that enjoys life with us in our cloud forest greenhouse (min 12C) either mounted or in a pot.

The species has tiny leaves along long thin stems and flowers are produced in groups of 2 to 5 on short stems from the base of leaves. The flowers are larger than the leaves and give a really good display. Flower colour is variable and ours are a lemon yellow. The stems produce roots as they grow and so the plant can develop the rather 'weedy' habit of growing onto the mounts or into the pots of neighbouring plants - hooray for mini orchids that grow like weeds.  We find that our plants flower twice a year so a lovely species.