Cattleya labiata f. semi-alba ‘Bryon’

Cattleya labiata Lindl.
Initially discovered somewhere between Rio de Janeiro and the vast Amazon interior of Brazil in 1818 by W. Swainson and formally described in 1821 by J. Lindley, Cattleya labiata is perhaps one of the most widely recognized Orchids and considered a classic. Cattleya labiata is extremely rare in its native habitat because of over-collection and habitat destruction; however, conservation efforts by the Brazilians have somewhat stabilized limited wild populations of this endangered species. 

Cattleya labiata is a particular favorite of Orchid growers and is readily available in a wide variety of colors and forms.  This fall-blooming, unifoliate (single leafed) is easy to grow and flower given the bright light, intermediate temperatures, and high humidity typically associated with greenhouse environments. The flower shown is the semi-alba form grown by Bryon Rinke and Max Thompson.

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References:
Mendezes, L. C. Cattleya labiata Lindl. Orchid Digest, July 1987.

Withner, C. L. (1988). The Cattleyas and their relatives, Volume 1. The Cattleyas. Timber Press.  ISBN: 0-88192-099-1. 

Chadwick, A. A., Chadwick, A. E. (2006). The Classic Cattleyas. Timber Press. ISBN: 0-88192-764-3.