Epidendrum sp. (ID Help needed)

[kavanaru]

I have found this plant growing near Caracas (Venezuela) in the N.P. El Avila at an elevation of aprox. 2200 meters (7218 feet), duringmy latest holidays. The pictures were taken on September 3rd 2009.

A friend from Caracas has proposed Epidendrum coronatum. On the other hand, I am quite sure this belongs to the Group Arbuscula (growing habit different than that of the Group Coronatum).

Does anybody has any idea which species this can be?



Thanks in advance!

[LauraN]

Sorry, I'm no help...
It's not one that I am familiar with.
Good Luck with your search.

[orchideric]

Dear Ramon,

Your plant is Epidendrum curtisii.

If you re in the mood, I would suggest you share your photograph with Jay Pfahl's website (orchidspecies).

Hope that helps, Eric

[kavanaru]

Hi Eric, that's what I thought, as I know curtisii from that region too. However, there is something in the lip of this which does not match very much (in mind) to that species... what do you think?

on the other hand, how do you know that much about venezuelan orchids? I saw your comments on the other thread...

[orchideric]

Hey Ramon,

The only really similar species is Epi. tamaense but that species has differently proportioned lip lobes and more acuminate-aciculate sepals.

To study Andean orchids in general you need to study Venezuelan orchds because so many early type specimens came from there. Plus I have all the literature - Foldats, Dunsterville & Garay (6 vols. & 3 vols.), Romero & Carnevali (3 vols.), Orchids of Tachira, etc. I have photographed type specimens for many genera from Venezuela and have annotated many additional specimens. Sadly, I haven't gotten to Venezuela yet ($$$).

Eric

[kavanaru]

Originally Posted by orchideric

Hey Ramon,

The only really similar species is Epi. tamaense but that species has differently proportioned lip lobes and more acuminate-aciculate sepals.

To study Andean orchids in general you need to study Venezuelan orchds because so many early type specimens came from there. Plus I have all the literature - Foldats, Dunsterville & Garay (6 vols. & 3 vols.), Romero & Carnevali (3 vols.), Orchids of Tachira, etc. I have photographed type specimens for many genera from Venezuela and have annotated many additional specimens. Sadly, I haven't gotten to Venezuela yet ($$$).

Eric

Cool... I did not know that about you studying andean orchids You definitely need to go then to Venezuela Although, I must admit that currently I would not recommend it to anybody, unless you know people there to travel with you, or you just stay away from "the civilization", e.g. direct flight to Canaima and stay in the jungle The current political and economical situation in the country is very very bad. Since Dictator Chavez is in the power, the whole country has suffered a lot and for many many people social and moral values have been distorted...