Catasetum napoense
 

I've bought this plant from Ecuador, labelled as Ctsm. napoense.

I can only find one photo of this species (in the book The World of Catasetum by Holst), and even though the flowers shows some differences, Holst indicates in the text that apparently there is some variability on this species (Note: variability in colors and to some extent in flower shape is a very common thread in Catasetum!). Therefore, I do not much material to compare... on the other hand, there is a photo of Ctsm. schweinfurthii (at least I can find only one photo!), which is a rare peruvian species, and seems to be VERY similar (for not saying identical) to napoense... I cannotfind any reference whether these two species are synonym... Also, cannot be 100% sure my plant is one or the other... for now, I keep the label "napoense" :)

Enjoy!

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5211/...1b87116bc1.jpg
Catasetum napoense by kavanaru, on Flickr
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/...00cd7136c7.jpg
Catasetum napoense by kavanaru, on Flickr
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5015/...84485e835d.jpg
Catasetum napoense by kavanaru, on Flickr
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5091/...df351ccd5a.jpg
Catasetum napoense by kavanaru, on Flickr
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5174/...a6f931d3d8.jpg
Catasetum napoense by kavanaru, on Flickr
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5180/...0f712a191d.jpg
Catasetum napoense by kavanaru, on Flickr

Spectacular! I love the dark color and the shape. What a gorgeous bloom. Nicely done.

What sort of culture do you provide - I'm guessing by the leaf shape that it's a high light orchid... but I'd love to know how you're growing it. Thanks for sharing.

- J

Thanks! :) I am very happy with this plant too... the color is very deep and is the same in the whole spike!

Catasetum like warm temps (it can never be too warm for them!) and lots of light (even though you will find some people saying they can be grown under shaded conditions... but... they do a lot better with lots of light.

in the following thread, you can find very good info on how to grow this group!
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...d-society.html

Wow Ramon, you have some of the coolest plants!
Joann

I just love your Catasetum collection, and this one is so gorgeous! hopefully one day you can get a positive ID on it.

Wow I love it! And look at that greenhouse in the back ground! I think I need one of each!

Nice! Also great pictures!

Super cool.

Kim

Ramon, I checked on OrchidWiz. The two plants Ctsm. schweinfurthii & napoense are listed as separate plants, but there are no pictures. That may not mean anything though

Wonderful plant and flowers BTW

This one is gorgeous. I love it. I'm assuming he is scented.