cattleya Eldorado...

[eorchids]

Eric, this is a highly variable species, there is no disputing.

Of course but not in shape, colors are variable. Eldorado is one of the smallest unifoliate Cattleya (7 to 11 inches pseudobulb + leaf).
Jordan, all I know about Cattleya eldorado, I learned it from my Brazilian friends Mauro Rosim and Vitorino Castro.
Look at the Eldorado Gallery of Mauro Rosim (3 pages) : Here. Always the large orange disc in the throat, the lavender/purple (or only a spot) on the bottom edge of the lip and the fringed lip border. As Chadwick says : the color pattern of the lip is distinctive to the species. For a precise description of the flower, read Chadwick or Withner.

Eric, yours is beautiful and crystaline

It's not mine. Congratulations must go to Mauro Rosim.

Betty, a gift from a friend is always precious, regardless of the tag.

[espranch]

It may take a while, Matt, but it will come back. I believe that the cattleya family of orchids has the most amazing scent. Good luck with your cattleya...it sounds like its on the mend to me. Thanks again, for commenting, everyone.....Betty

[catttan]

Really beautiful, Betty. Love it.

[lakshmanamoorthy]

very beautiful.

[cdayinflorida]

Betty, That is a show-stopper. One of the prettiest Cattleyas I have ever seen posted on the site. Simply Stunning!!!

[Paph]

Betty, this one is a beauty. Love it.

[zainal abidin]

Very interesting information Eric, Betty yours really very beautiful I love it I'm sure you really proud on this one good growing.

[pavel]

In any event, lovely flowers. Well grown, Betty!

[espranch]

Thanks, everyone...My husband really deserves the credit, as he claims this one as "his orchid!" He & I both appreciate the compliments...Betty :- )

[Clivedude]

Awesome what a beautiful cattleya... i hope to have one one day