Lycaste consobrina and the blood sacrifice

[smweaver]

Shortly after I took these pictures this morning, my Lycaste consobrina decided to extract a blood sacrifice from one of my fingers as payment for its blooms this spring. The third photograph shows the wickedly sharp 1.3 cm spines that are produced at the top of each pseudobulb--and to the unwary grower, as I reminded myself for probably the millionth time as I made my way to the bathroom closet to find a bandage, they can make their presence clearly known. But I suppose it's a small sacrifice to make for such nice flowers. This deciduous species, like its close relative Lycaste aromatica, is native to Central America and produces an abundance of yellow blooms each spring after a very dry winter rest. The scent, however, is nicely floral and very much different from aromatica's. An easy and rewarding species to grow if you can give it hot, humid and wet summers, along with cool winters. But beware of those spines!

[cb977]

What a beauty! I was totally unaware that some orchids have sharp spines! I learn something new every single day in this place!

Are there others that have this little "extra"?

[smweaver]

Thank you, Susanne. Actually, there are a number of equally sharp-spined Lycaste species that hail from Central America (aromatica, cruenta, bradeorum). The guy who sold me this particular plant a number of years ago was quite pleased to inform me that it was particularly well-armed (which is a lesson that a smarter person than me would have probably taken to heart by now).

[orchidhunter]

Lovely blooms, and staked with such diligent care! Those spines are intimidating - I'd never noticed those before. I'll be sure to scrutinize some Lycaste pseudobulbs at my next orchid show!

[(..._...)]

ooooh! I've done that too... it HURTS!!!

[stitz]

How do I know the difference between consobrina and aromatica? I appreciate your subjective description of the fragrance. I'm looking for other determinations which are hopefully more easily defined.

--Stitz--

[cneos]

Lovely flowers! Now I know what to expect when my consobrina blooms. Thanks for sharing

The spines actually protect the leafless pseudobulbs from being eaten by rodents.

[charmbutterfly]

Ooohhhh its so pretty!!

[Grandma M]

[smweaver]

Stitz, I'm not sure that I have a great answer for you regarding how to tell consobrina from aromatica when they're not in flower (when they're in flower, it's easy: aromatica's flowers are highly fragrant of cinnamon, while consobrina's don't have any trace of that fragrance). My aromatica tends to put out multiple leads each year, while the consobrina that I have usually only produces one lead. Also, the spikes on my aromatica aren't as pronounced--although they are still very sharp and will give you a nice reminder of their presence if you're not paying attention. Maybe someone else will have a better way of letting you (and me) know how to tell them apart when they're not in flower.