Masdevallia eumelia

[Duane McDowell]

Photographed at a nursery in Ecuador.
This is one of many species that I wasn't familiar with before my visit. Irridescent colors!

[orchidsal]

Now this is even better than the poppy fields in The Wizard Of Oz and I assume the wicked witch of the southern hemisphere had nothing to do with all these pretty flowers! Do they have a intoxicating smell also? AL

[pavel]

Wow! That is one lovely bed of masdies!

[Duane McDowell]

No fragrance on these that I could detect. And I haven't met anyone even remotely wicked here. Everyone has been exceedingly generous and friendly; so no wicked witch!

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Now this is even better than the poppy fields in The Wizard Of Oz and I assume the wicked witch of the southern hemisphere had nothing to do with all these pretty flowers! Do they have a intoxicating smell also? AL

hahhaha...@Al.

Beautiful color. Must be amazing to see so many all at one time.

Cheers,
BD

[Duane McDowell]

hahhaha...@Al.

Beautiful color. Must be amazing to see so many all at one time.

Cheers,
BD

It really is. Today I'll be going into the cloud forest reserve with Gilberto Merino, one of the foremost experts on South American orchids. I can hardly wait! Tomorrow will be my last day of orchid shooting here. I'm flying to Quito, then taking a car up to Mindo for a few days of hummingbirds. Truly - life is good.

[orchidsal]

I know its been a lot of work with the photography and all Duane, but what a awesome itinerary you have and have had! AL

[Duane McDowell]

I know its been a lot of work with the photography and all Duane, but what a awesome itinerary you have and have had! AL

It's been fantastic. The orchid tour today was amazing. I sprained my ankle in town buying batteries after the tour, so I'm icing and elevating now, but I would do all of it over again in a heartbeat given the chance! The people, the food, the climate, the scenery are all beautiful. The plants are astonishing.
I probably saw 100 different ferns, a dozen or so Pepperomias, and, of course, many many orchids. This was all on a one-day trip! Plus, we had pan-fried trout with rice and lentils at a little restaurant for about $4 each. One of the best meals I've had here - and they've all been good!

[orchidsal]

Go easy on your ankle so you can finish up your trip feeling good. Tell those Hummingbirds to slow down a bit so you can get some nice pictures. The Best Of Luck! AL

[kiwiorchids]

Now this is even better than the poppy fields in The Wizard Of Oz and I assume the wicked witch of the southern hemisphere had nothing to do with all these pretty flowers! Do they have a intoxicating smell also? AL

OI! im from the southern hemisphere!

very nice once again duane!