Stanhopea wardii

Stanhopea wardii G. Lodd. ex Lindl. 1838 is an epiphytic growing orchid species native to Central America (Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Panama)
and the North of South America (Colombia, Venezuela).

The beautiful orchid has been found in La Guayra (Venezuela) by Mr. Ward an English plant collector and orchid enthusiast and has been sent to England, where the tropical orchid has been described and named in honour to him in 1838 by the English botanist George Loddiges (1784-1846). Stanhopea wardii orchids are protected by CITES Appendix II (trade controlled to avoid use incompatible with species survival). The highly fragrant flowers get a size of about 12 cm. Flowering period: Summer - Autumn. Stanhopea wardii orchids require a warm - hot, humid climate and are best cultivated in baskets or mounted, as the inflorescence with up to 10 flowers hangs pendant downwards. The strong, but very pleasant fragrance of the flowers is often described as a spicy Vanilla scent.

Flower Photography © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Stanhopea wardii (front)

Flower Photography © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Stanhopea wardii (side), in the background, right: Plectrelminthus caudatus