Several species of this interesting genus of terrestrial orchids have been introduced by the ISI in recent years (all still available for $30 except where noted): O. spathulifera (ISI 2000-62), O. calcarata (ISI 2001-40, $24), O. roseovariegata (ISI 2001-41), O. sp Analalava (ISI 2002-34) and O. maculata (ISI 2004-31). All are cryptic denizens of the understory of the dry forests of Madagascar that are home to numerous succulents as well. We have found they grow well under the greenhouse bench with some of the more shade-tolerant haworthias. O. humbertii has burgundy-tinged pseudobulbs to 1.5 cm or more with a pale cap formed by the clasping leaf base. The leaves are lanceolate to lance-linear and mottled shades of green. HBG 91559, plants from controlled pollination of M. Hoffmann s.n., collected 5 Jan 2000 in Kirindy Forest, Morondava, Madagascar. $30.
Published in the Cactus and Succulent Journal, Vol. 77 (2), March - April, 2005