Cattleya skinneri Bateman 1839, also known as Guarianthe skinneri (Bateman) Dressler & W.E. Higgins 2003, is an epiphytic, occasionally also terrestrial or lithophytic growing orchid species, native to Central America, from South Mexico to Costa Rica.

The beautiful violet or purple, medium sized orchid is the national flower of Costa Rica. British horticulturist James Bateman (18.07.1811 – 27.11.1897) described the orchid in the year 1839 and named it honour to the plant collector George Ure Skinner (1804-1867). During his 30 years in Guatemala George Skinner introduced about hundred orchid species to Britain, all unknown in England at that time. The slightly fragrant flowers get a size of about 9 cm across. Flowering period: late Winter - Spring.
Cattleya skinneri orchids require intermediate to warm temperatures and a location in partial shade or full sun. To induce flowering, waterings should be restricted during the winter rest. Cattleya skinneri orchids are protected by CITES Appendix II (trade controlled to avoid use incompatible with species survival).

Flower Photography © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Cattleya skinneri, Guarianthe skinneri

Flower Photography © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Cattleya skinneri, Guarianthe skinneri
Cattleya species orchids at Orchids Flowers.com:

Cattleya aurantiaca

Cattleya bicolor subsp. brasiliensis

Cattleya forbesii

Cattleya granulosa

Cattleya intermedia

Cattleya schilleriana

Cattleya skinneri, Guarianthe skinneri

Cattleya briegeri