Masdevallia veitchiana
Masdevallia veitchiana is a truly magnificent orchid. The startling colour has evolved to attract hummingbirds but it is rather effective in attracting humans too.
This species is endemic to Peru where it grows between 2000m and 4000m as a terrestrial amongst grasses and we are indebted to Henry Oakley for the great photograph of the species on Machu Picchu. This habitat explains the long flower spikes which carry the flowers well clear of the leaves and in reach of pollinating humming birds.Â
We replicate these conditions in our cloud forest section where it is kept damp throughout the year, and since it grows as a terrestrial rather than a forest epiphyte provide more light that for some of our Masdevallias.