Dracula

Finding

SITF has determined this plant to be Dracula chimaera, not D. marsupialis (Apr 2025). The long bristle-like hairs are much too coarse for marsupialis, the unhinged lip and three long central keels all fit D. chimaera. In addition, the leaves of D. marsupialis are much narrower giving a much more lanceolate appearance rather than the elliptic leaves of this plant. The larger flower size also fits D. chimaera better. This plant matches the description and drawing in Icones Pleurothallidinarum X, Systematics of Dracula.

Overall Length Of Growth Cane: n/a

Number Of Leaves Per Growth Or Cane: 1

Leaf Length: 24.1

Leaf Width: 3.8

Leaf Margin: smooth

Leaf Shape: lanceolate

Leaf Petiole Length: n/a

Pseudobulb Length: n/an/a

Pseudobulb Width: n/a

Pseudobulb Distance: n/a

Inflorescence Overall Length: 16

Inflorescence Arrangement: successive

Inflorescence Dist Base To Bud: 16

Inflorescence Dist Bet Flowers: 2.5

Inflorescence Dist To Sepal: 15

Floral Bracts Width: minute

Ovary Width: 0.6

Ovary Shape: cylindrical

Ovary Color: mahogany

Ovary Texture: eggshell

Flower Natural Spread Length: 26.3

Flower Natural Spread Width: 6.6

Dorsal Sepal Length: 13.6

Dorsal Sepal Width: 2.9

Dorsal Sepal Cauda Length: 6.3

Dorsal Sepal Cauda Width: n/a

Lateral Sepals Length: 14.3

Lateral Sepals Width: 3.2

Lateral Sepals Caudae Length: 6.3

Lateral Sepals Caudae Width: n/a

Petals Length: n/a

Petals Width: n/a

Judging Center: Hilo, Hawaii

Award Number: 20253702

Award Date: January 11, 2025

Awarded As: CHM

Vendor, Ecugenera, origin, Peru
Mahogany, Hairy, Large
Description:
Three impressive flowers and three buds on six successive flowering, 16-cm inflorescenses and two additional emerging inflorescenses; sepals aristate with long acuminate caudae, hirsute basally and adjacent to margins, ciliate at margin, cream overlaid chestnut irregular speckles and spots, clear patches centrally, caudae darkest chocolate; petals tiny triangular; lip white, rather prominent, saccate with interior ridges, pale cinnamon centrally; column white, anther cap yellow; substance good; texture hirsute, glabrous centrally. Recognized for desirable size and coloration.

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Learn more about the Dracula genus