Psychopsis Mariposa

[smartie2000]

My Psychopsis Mariposa ‘Green Valley’ finally opened it's first bloom I don't know exactly what 'Green Valley' is supposed to look like because they vary so much in all the pictures I have searched. Varying in shape, colour and patterning. I think mine might be a selfing of 'Green Valley' or a mutated mericlone (or maybe everyone elses are?). I don't know how much each blooming can vary yet. Mine has 8 inch leaves so the plant isn't too large.

It's second spike is growing quite fast and I think there will a third one coming

It's fasinating watching them open! From what I observed, the three long antenna-like parts at the top are reduced sepals. And the two spotted parts on the side are petals, which have been modified to act like a sepal in the bud, since they are now the outermost part of the bud. Very interesting flower anatomy! If I can find a peloric one, my anatomy can be verified, since petals would be replaced with lips or vice versa (lips are modified petals).

I can see why they are called butterfly orchids now... It's column looks like a bug!

[Molly Taco]

Oh My, that is wonderful, This is on my list of "I WANT" Great Picture.
Cin

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Beautiful Fren!

Cheers,
BD D:

[Ron-NY]

From what I observed, the three long antenna-like parts at the top are reduced sepals. And the two spotted parts on the side are petals, which have been modified to act like a sepal in the bud, since they are now the outermost part of the bud. Very interesting flower anatomy! If I can find a peloric one, my anatomy can be verified, since petals would be replaced with lips or vice versa (lips are modified petals).

Fren, I would assume that the middle "antenna" is the dorsal sepal and the lateral antennae are the petals and the two spotted parts are sepals.

[smartie2000]

Fren, I would assume that the middle "antenna" is the dorsal sepal and the lateral antennae are the petals and the two spotted parts are sepals.

I thought about that too.... the two lateral antennae were tucked inside the bud, like petals would be, but they came out very soon.

But it's so wierd that the petals would look so similar to the dorsal sepal, and the dorsal sepal look so different from the wing-like spotted sepals. Usually the sepals look similar, and the petals and lip look similar. ...if there was a peleroic plant then it would be clear what is what. From the fully opened bloom it looks like it has five sepals(which is wrong of course)!

edit: Look what I found: http://www.rv-orchidworks.com/orchid...endenhall.html It's like a peloric. Based on the positioning of the flower parts on this mutant one, you are right Ron

[Elena]

I just love them 3 spikes, huh? It must like you a lot!

[Ron-NY]

I thought about that too.... the two lateral antennae were tucked inside the bud, like petals would be, but they came out very soon.

But it's so wierd that the petals would look so similar to the dorsal sepal, and the dorsal sepal look so different from the wing-like spotted sepals. Usually the sepals look similar, and the petals and lip look similar. ...

Fen there is one thing about orchids...there is a great variation amount the genera. We get Cattleya structure stuck in our head but there are many chids that don't have the typical Catt structure of 3 sepals, 2 petals and a lip. Look at slipper orchids where the lip is modified into a pouch. There are many species where the lateral sepals are fused into one structure. Many Masdevalias come to mind and try to figure our flower structure on a Lepanthes.

[jtlqh]

Very nice photos.

[Becky15349]

That is an amazing bloom- quite an accomplishment!! I was just thinking to myself- its not hard to see why they named it Psychopsis- its somewhat strange!! haha

[JUDIUK]

Are you sure it isn't alive? I can see a face! Spectacular! Judi