Catasetinae Alliance: Mormodes rolfeana

Introducing Rolfe's Mormodes - The Fragrant Beauty of Ecuador and Peru

Discover the enchanting beauty of Mormodes rolfeana, also known as Rolfe's Mormodes, a captivating species from the genus Mormodes. This orchid is native to the lush rainforests of Ecuador and Peru, where it thrives in cool and humid environments. With its robust nature and medium size, Rolfe's Mormodes is a must-have addition to any orchid collection.

Rolfe's Mormodes can be found in various regions, including the province of Morona-Santiago in Ecuador and the Pasco department in Peru. In Ecuador, it graces the Cordillera Condor band at an altitude of 1100 meters, while in Peru, it flourishes along the Gramaz River, around Oxapampa, at elevations ranging from 1500 to 1885 meters.

Cultivating this extraordinary orchid is a delight for both experienced and novice orchid enthusiasts. It prefers to grow as an epiphyte, making it ideal for mounting or placing in a well-draining orchid potting mix. The pseudobulbs of Rolfe's Mormodes are fusiform to ovoid-fusiform in shape, measuring up to 27 cm in length and 3.6 cm in diameter. These pseudobulbs are adorned with 6 to 9 pairs of distichous, imbricating leaf sheaths, carrying lanceolate to elliptic-lanceolate, bright green leaves that can reach lengths of 25-40 cm.

In the winter and spring seasons, Rolfe's Mormodes graces us with its alluring flowers. The racemose inflorescence, measuring approximately 28 cm in length, emerges from the lower part of a mature pseudobulb, accompanied by leaves. Fragrant and captivating, the flowers steal the spotlight with their remarkable features. Measuring about 10 cm in size, the petals and sepals exhibit a mesmerizing greenish hue adorned with intricate green veins. The lip, a golden yellow masterpiece, adds a touch of elegance to the ensemble. The column, pink-purple above, showcases a green stigma and a dark red-purple lid of the anther chamber.

While descriptions of Rolfe's Mormodes flowers may vary, they are consistently enchanting. Some depict the blooms as light green or golden-yellow with streaks of red or dark green on the flakes of both whorls and at the base of the lip. Another portrayal showcases a dark pink acid with numerous small, darker red dots on the petals of both whorls. Whatever the specific characteristics, the flowers of Rolfe's Mormodes are a true feast for the eyes.

This is a blooming size in a 4" pot, about 1 to 2 years to bloom, grown from seed, limited!

Bring the allure of Ecuadorian and Peruvian rainforests into your space with Rolfe's Mormodes. With its fragrant flowers and captivating features, this orchid is sure to mesmerize and become a cherished centerpiece in any orchid collection. Cultivate this magnificent species and experience the beauty and elegance of Rolfe's Mormodes firsthand.