Gastrorchis humblottii v. Schlecter
Surely the specific ought to be humboldtii ? Named for the famous scientist, discoverer of the Humboldt current in the oceans etc etc ? But this mis-spelling appears on the label, and it is the same in IOSPE, so I keep it here. Schlecter is of course the name of one of the famous ( to us orchid nuts ) botanists.
The species as such is illustrated , e.g. in Orchidwiz with quite bright, almost lurid colours. Also an alba version. Schlecter ( variety) has patches which start off white but turn faintly lavender as the flower ages ; I don't know if there are any other difference.
Gastrorchis is allied to Phaius ; same plicate leaves and smallish unimportant bulb, but all on a smaller scale This 5 inch potful has, as you can see, 4 flowering growths,and the flowers are about 2 inches north-south. Bought at a show a few weeks ago. Flowers even then , past their best. If it likes me, and grows well, I think it will be quite a stunner when fresh.
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