Species of orchid
Rhyncholaelia digbyana is a species of epiphytic orchid occurring from Honduras to Belize, Guatemala, Mexico and Costa Rica.
Rl. digbyana can be distinguished from the other species of Rhyncholaelia (Rl. glauca) by the frilled labellum.
The orchid has been discovered by José Antonio Molina Rosito, a Honduran|Catracho botanist and Professor emeritus at the Zamorano Pan-American School of Agriculture.[1]
Rhyncholaelia digbyana was declared the national flower of Honduras (Flor Nacional de Honduras) on 1969 November 26.[2]
Etymology
The species name digbyana comes from the family name of the collector Edward St. Vincent Digby who had the first described specimen.[3]
Taxonomy
The orchid that is now known as Rhyncholaelia digbyana was first described as Brassavola digbyanna in 1846 by John Lindley. The plant he described was in the collection of Edward St. Vincent Digby, it was reported to have originated from Honduras.[3] Since its original description it has been reclassified three times in to various genus's[4][5] before being moved in the new genus Rhyncholaelia along with Brassavola glauca by Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach .[6]
Characteristics
This species grows epiphyticly on host treas in its native range. It has elongated compressed pseudobulbs topped with a singular leaf.[7]
Flowers
In its native range flowering occurs from February to June. The 7 in (18 cm) flowers are held singularly on 3 in (7.5 cm) long inflorescences which emerge from the apex of newly grown pseudobulbs. The flowers range in color from white to green and possess the characteristic frilled labellum.
Scent
This orchid is strongly scented at night with the scent reported to be similar to that of lemon or Lily of the valley.[7] The scent is composed nine different compounds four the compounds are alpha-pinene,[8] ocimene,[8] Citronellol,[8][9] and Linalool.[8][9]
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