Masdevallia Machu Picchu

Masdevallia Machu Picchu ‘Makawao Surprise’ AM/AOS [Division]
 (grown by Karlene Sanborn; photographed by Mark Sanborn)

Masdevallia Machu Picchu is a primary hybrid of *Regalia ayabacana x Masdevallia coccinea. The median size for awarded flowers of this cross is 3.4 cm W; 16.5 cm L.
            The plant pictured is a division purchased from Ivan Komoda in February 2007. Thus far, it has bloomed well and seems to thrive under moist, cool-intermediate conditions with lots of air movement. When selecting Masdevallia hybrids it is important to study the parentage to decide whether one can provide the appropriate growing conditions.

Parentage of Masd. Machu Picchu:
            *Regalia ayabacana  was named for the community of Ayabaca in Peru. An intermediate grower, this species is found in the Chanchamayo valley in central Peru at an altitude of 3900 feet (1200 m).
            Masdevallia coccinea, a cool/cold grower is widely distributed in the Eastern Cordillera of Columbia at altitudes from 8,200 feet (2,500 m) to 11,800 feet (3,600 m).

*Syn. Masd. ayabacana Luer

References:
Gerritsen M. E. & Parsons, R. (2005). Masdevallias: Gems of the Orchid World. Portland: Timber Press. ISBN: 0-88192-737-6.
OrchidWiz Encyclopedia. 4.0.
The Pleurothallid Alliance. www.pleurothallids.com

Submitted by Karlene Sanborn