Prosthechea cochleata
This is commonly known as the Cockleshell Orchid,
because of the shape of the lip. Here in Mexico it is known as a PULPO, in
English, Octopus, because of the shape of the flower, the lip the body and the
tepals, the tentacles, see the photographs.
This is one of the MOST POPULAR SPECIES ORCHIDS IN THIS HEMISPHERE ! I feel mainly
because it is so easy to grow and stays in bloom throughout the year in
cultivation. The plant is attractive, with a relatively large psuedobulb and at
least two dark green leaves proportionate to them. The inflorescence rises above
them and nicely displays the flowers, borne 3-4 at a time consecutively
throughout the year. The lip does have a purple so dark in it, that it appears
black.
It is a slow grower, and will seldom make more than one new growth per year.
Despite its slow growth, it adapts to almost any condition, especially low light
and still blooms.