Prosthechea ionocentra (Rchb. f.) W.E. Higgins 1997, (formerly Encyclia ionocentra (Rchb. f.) Mora-Ret. & Garcia-Castro 1990), is an epiphytic growing orchid species, native to Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia.

The fragrant flowers, with a spicy scent, strongest at night time, get a size of about 3,5 cm in diameter. Flowering period: Autumn - Winter. The erect inflorescences carry about 20 - 25 simultaneously opening flowers.
The naming of this beautiful orchid is again an odyssey through the botanical nomenclature. Primarily described by the German botanist Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach (1824-1889) as Epidendrum ionocentrum Rchb. f. 1883 in “The Gardeners’ Chronicle”, it has been changed to Hormidium ionocentrum (Rchb. f.) Brieger 1977, then to Epidendrum prismatocarpum var. ionocentrum (Rchb. f.) Teusch. 1996, then to Encyclia ionocentra (Rchb. f.) Mora-Ret. & Garcia-Castro 1990, to Prosthechea ionocentra (Rchb. f.) W.E. Higgins 1997, to Pseudencyclia ionocentra (Rchb. f.) V.P.Castro & Chiron 203, to Panarica ionocentra (Rchb. f.) Withner & P.A.Harding 2004 and to Encyclia prismatocarpa var. ionocentra (Rchb. f.) M. Wolff & O. Gruss 2007.
Prosthechea ionocentra is still the accepted name, Epidendrum ionocentrum the basionym. All other names are synonyms or are not even accepted
by the science of botany.

Prosthechea ionocentra (Encyclia ionocentra) orchids are protected by CITES Appendix II (trade controlled to avoid use incompatible with species survival). The tropical orchid species requires cool – warm temperatures and bright light. The potting medium should dry out between waterings and the plant should be kept even drier during the winter rest.

Flower Photography © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Prosthechea ionocentra (Encyclia ionocentra)
Photographer: Kitisak “Nat” Jaidee

Prosthechea species orchids at Orchids Flowers.com: