Restrepia antennifera 'gigantea'

Restrepias are a very special part of our orchid collection and were one of the first group of orchids collected by Annie back in the 1990s. Restrepias are small growing with relatively lage flowers and flower several times a year.

Restrepia antennifera is a lovely name and refers to the antenna like lateral sepals common to most restrepias. 

This is a remarkable orchid. The synsepal (the fused lateral sepals) is enormous at 5cm long and beautifully striped. The plant is also larger than the other restrepias we grow with a tendency to spread by kikis. Each flower lasts a couple of weeks but flowers are produced in profusion and succession from both old and new leaves giving a wonderful display over several months. An orchid we would not be without.