Featured Orchid: Masdevallia Walnut Valley

Masdevallia – (mas-de-VAL-ee-ah); named for Dr. José Masdevall, 18th century Spanish apothecary and botanist. As a genus, Masdevallia are widely distributed throughout the tropical Americas from Mexico to southern Brazil; however, the majority of the species range within the moist cloud forests at elevations between 600 and 3000 meters (2,000 – 10,000 feet).

Masdevallia murex is native to Ecuador and Peru where it grows as an epiphyte at 1800 meters (6,000 ft.) elevation. Found in the wet cloud forests Masdevallia murex are considered cool growers.

Masdevallia triangularis is native to the coastal mountains of Venezuela and Colombia, and on the eastern side of the Andes of Southeastern Ecuador where it grows as an epiphyte at 500 – 2300 meters (1,640 – 7,550 ft.) elevation. Masdevallia triangularis are considered cool to intermediate growers.
Masdevallia Walnut Valley is a primary hybrid of Masdevallia murex crossed by Masdevallia triangularis. Masd. triangularis is a popular plant for hybridizing because it tends to impart intermediate growing characteristics, erect stems, and flower form to its offspring. The flower shown is a first bloom seedling that was bred by Bryon Rinke.  

Cultivation of Masdevallia requires cool to intermediate conditions with ample humidity throughout the year. Masdevallia, especially hybrids, grow well under fluorescent lights or in a window sill. 

References:
Gerritsen M. E. & Parsons, R. (2005). Masdevallias: Gems of the Orchid World. Portland: Timber Press. ISBN: 0-88192-737-6.

Dodson, C., Native Ecuadorian Orchids, Volume III: Lepanthopsis - Oliveriana, ISBN: 9978-42-268-4.

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