The Dark Laelia

Appearance

Medium sized, hot to cool growing species with a clavate pseudobulb carrying a single, apical, erect, oblong-ovate to ligulate, leathery, rounded apically leaf that blooms from June through August and has a 12" [30 cm] long, racemose inflorescence arising through a large, basal sheath and carrying 3 to 4, fragrant spicy scented , short-lived, color variable flowers.

Naming

Brasilaelia tenebrosa (Rolfe) Campacci 2006; Cattleya tenebrosa (Rolfe) A.A.Chadwick 2006; Chironiella tenebrosa (Rolfe) Braem 2006; Hadrolaelia tenebrosa ( Rolfe ) Chiron & V.P.Castro 2002; *Laelia grandis var. tenebrosa Rolfe 1891; Laelia tenebrosa var. pittiana O'Brien 1894; Sophronitis tenebrosa (Rolfe) C. Berg & M.W. Chase 2000

Distribution

The plants come from the southern parts of Bahia and Espirito Santo states of Brazil and flower in the early summer months. Elsewhere found as ornamental.

Habitat

Growing on trees in dense forest.

Uses

Ornamental.