Dracula christineana

Dracula christineana is an epiphytic orchid in the genus Dracula.

Description

Plant blooms variously throughout the year with a few successive 5 cm wide flower. It is unclear how this species is distinguished from the similar Colombian Dracula tsubotae. Plants that are labeled as christineana tend to be paler in coloration, but otherwise there are no obvious distinguishing features. It seems the main difference is that Dr. christineanas are purchased from Ecuadorian sources.

Distribution

The type plant for this species was purchased from Eduardo Sanchez of Cuenca, Ecuador, who explores extensively in the southern part of Ecuador. However, he was unaware of the plant being anything unusual and actual collection data for the type plant (or any other plants bearing this name) is absent. Further adding to the confusion, the type plant died without having produced any divisions. The plants in cultivation currently have been somewhat arbitrarily called christineana because they are purchased from Ecuadorian sources. However, photos and drawings of the type plant, positive identifications by the original owner, and the lack of collection data raise the question that the original plant was a division of the Colombian Dracula tsubotae that became lost in a disorganized collection and then "rediscovered" as Dracula christineana. Only solid documentation of this species existing in Southern Ecuadoar and careful comparison to Dracula tsubotae will be able to resolve this confusion.

Culture

Keep plant in partial shade. Plant can be grown in cool to intermediate conditions. Pot the plant in fine bark with perlite or sphagnum moss. Water regularly and keep potting media moist.

Naming

Common Names: Christina's Dracula

References

• Hermans, Johan & Clare. Orchid Digest special publication: An Annotation Checklist on the Genus Dracula. Orchid Digest Corp., 1997.