Monkey-like Dracula, La Planada Nature Reserve, Colombia

One of two species named "Monkey orchid" for their flower resembling the face of a monkey, therefore using the more specific Monkey-like Dracula common name, which specifically refers to "Dracula simia. This one was found in the orchid research garden at La Planada Nature Reserve. They seem to be commonly cultivated, but I heard wild specimens are very rare.

comments (8)

Patomarazul

Lion

Aaaaw!
I wonder why Dracula! It looks like more like a pretty, lippy monkey :-) Posted 6 years ago, modified 6 years ago
1. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  Don't you just want to kiss it :) Posted 6 years ago
2. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  I think Dracula should not be interpreted like you would with a common name, it's the real (latin) name of the genus. Not sure what Dracula from latin to english means, it gives me "Bram". Posted 6 years ago, modified 6 years ago
3. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    I think Dracula comes from the latin word for "dragon".
    
    I think it's a very pretty flower and does resemble a monkey. But, I think it looks more like a monkey's rear end than its face. Posted 6 years ago
  2. 1. Ferdy Christant
      
      Lion
      
      Haha, yes, my kissing remark in hindsight is seriously inappropriate! If you search for Dracula simia, you'll find some better examples, I think this one is past its blooming peak.
      
      Thanks for the better translation! JungleDracula...hah. Posted 6 years ago
    2. 1. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        Hehe to the kissing remark and "JungleDracula"! I doubt Marta thinks you're asking her if she wants to kiss a monkey's butt though, so you're safe from any inappropriateness ;P
        
        I just read this, "Dracul comes from the Romanian drac (“devil”), itself deriving from the Latin draco (“dragon”)".
        
        Posted 6 years ago
      2. Patomarazul
        
        Lion
        
        Hello! I looked also and indeed it comes from the Rumanian language and means Dragon. ...And I am not kissing anything, just in case ;-)
        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracula_(plant) Posted 6 years ago
        
        Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        Hehe, Marta - good call! Posted 6 years ago

The Monkey-like Dracula

''Dracula simia'', called also monkey orchid or the monkey-like ''Dracula'', is an epiphytic orchid originally described in the genus ''Masdevallia'', but later moved to the genus ''Dracula''. The arrangement of column, petals and lip strongly resembles a monkey's face. The plant blooms at any season with several flowers on the inflorescence that open successively. Flowers are fragrant with the scent of a ripe orange.

Info 1 0

Similar species: Agaves, Aloes, Onions

Species identified by Ferdy Christant