Barkeria obovata (C. Presl) Christenson 1989

Flower Closeup Photos Courtesy of Diederick Antoni

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Common Name Obovate Barkeria

Flower Size about 1" [2.2 cm]

This Central American epiphytic species formerly known as Barkeria chinensis, is commonly found in hot conditions on the west coast of Mexico between 300 to 800 meters and in the rest of Central America it can be found at elevations of 240 to 3700 meters so it can be a warm or cold growing orchid depending on where it was collected. It is also found inland in Morelos state and Mr Bussey has found a few plants in Veracruz state near Mata Obscura growing along with Ionopsis. This species will bloom on an apical, to 5" [8 cm] long, racemose, many flowered inflorescence occuring in the winter with flowers that barely open.

Synonyms Barkeria chinensis (Lindl. ex Benth.) Thien 1966; Barkeria nonchinensis [Rchb.f]Schlechter 1914; Barkeria naevosa subsp. strophinx (Rchb.f.) Halb. 1974; Barkeria strophinx (Rchb.f.) Halb. 1977; Broughtonia chinensis [Lindley]Ames 1842; Epidendrum chinensis [Lindley] Ames 1924; Epidendrum nonchinense Rchb.f 1876; Epidendrum strophinx Rchb.f 1876; Laeliopsis chinense Lindley ex Rchb.f 1882; *Oncidium obovatum C. Presl 1827

References W3 Tropicos, Kew Monocot list , IPNI ; Field Guide to the orchids of Costa Rica and Panama Dressler 1993 as Barkeria chinensis; Vanishing Beauty; Native Costa Rican Orchids Vol 1 Pupulin 2005; Miniature Orchids Northen 1980 as Barkeria chinensis; Encyclopedia of Cultivated Orchids Hawkes 1987 as Epidendrum chinense; Icones Planetarum Tropicarum Atwwod & Mora 1993; Field Guide to the Orchids of Costa Rica and Panama Dressler 1993;