Bothriochilus bellus - nicer than its name ?

[Dorsetman]

Here seen in an 8 inch pot ( at a guess, maybe its only 7, but something like that.) 8 spikes - up to half a dozen flowers on a spike. Tend to be hidden by the leaves, and the leaves are quite distinct - can't think of anything closely similar except perhaps Bletia.
I looked up the genetic affiliations ; the genus seems to form a sub-tribe all on its own, in the Epidendrae - side by side with another sub-tribe containing Chysis, and indeed a third with Bletia in it. The Laelias form another sub-tribe in this area, of course including Cattleya, Encyclia and many more genera.
I used to have difficulty keeping the leaves clean , and some black spots are visible her on the leaves of yesteryear, but this years are now clean - I put this down to me avoiding, as far as possible, nutrient mix falling on the leaves, I reckon that is what feeds the bacteria which cause the black spotting. And its like banging your head against a brick wall - its wonderful when it stops !.

[Orchidmorris]

What an unusual genus name but most of all, what an unusual plant!! I had to read that it is an orchid indeed. Where does it come from!
Congrats with your special plant!

Maurice
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[panam]

These are so pretty - they make me think of little spring flowers that should be emerging from snow. Not that I think the orchid would appreciate that!!

[Dorsetman]

All of this orchid tribe are South American (I think ! ). Btw i bought it as a seedling, very many years ago from one of your local places specialising in botanical orchids - I expect you can guess which . The other name for the genus is Coelia, btw , then Coelia bella would e the name.
But the Bothri' name is the up -to-date one.

[mazlani]

First time seeing this. Superb growing Geoff!!

[cdayinflorida]

I agree with Patty, they look like spring flowers. This is a new plant to me.

[Dorsetman]

I agree with Patty, they look like spring flowers. This is a new plant to me.

They always remind me of Freesias - do 't know how many people know them - they are pretty little spring flowers ( probably grow very well in the South of France - don't like our cold winters here in UK). But in my greenhouse this Coelia or Bothriochilus is easier and more reliable. There are four other species in the genus, two of which I have collected, although one of them has not yet favoured me with its flowers. But I like to have a few "different" things .

[cdayinflorida]

Is it fragrant?

[Dorsetman]

Is it fragrant?

With a runny nose like mine, today, Cathy, it would only be a powerful pong which would get through - so I have to pass on that question. I can't think why I don't automatically put my nose to a flower - maybe its my greenhouse fans which blow everything around so that it tends to be the whole greenhouse which smells nice, and its difficult to track down which plant or plants.

[stateless]

very pretty and unique and looks like a spring flower to me I can see freesia but my first thought was a crocus