Paphinia cristata

Paphinia cristata is a species of the orchid genus Paphinia and the type species of this genus. It is endemic to northern South America and the island of Trinidad. Its 1 to 3 flowered pendant inflorescence carries large, deep-red flowers. The species was published in 1843 in Edwards's Botanical Register 29: misc. page 14.^[1]

Paphinia cristata
Illustration of Paphinia cristata
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Order:	Asparagales
Family:	Orchidaceae
Subfamily:	Epidendroideae
Genus:	Paphinia
Species:	P. cristata
Binomial name
Paphinia cristata (Lindl.) Lindl.
Synonyms
Maxillaria cristata Lindl. (basionym) Lycaste cristata (Lindl.) Lindl. Paphinia randii L.Linden & Rodigas Lycaste randii (L.Linden & Rodigas) G.Nicholson Paphinia cristata var. modiglianiana Rchb.f. Paphinia clausula Dressler Paphinia cristata f. modiglianiana (Rchb.f.) O.Gruss

Distribution and habitat

Paphinia cristata is found in Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and Trinidad at altitudes from sea level up to 1000 m, in damp forest.

Cultivation

Paphinia cristata prefers warm, moist, shaded, humid conditions. Never allow plants to dry out for long periods. Mount on pieces of coconut, tree fern or cork with a pad of moss around the roots.