Restrepia chocoensis
Restrepia chocoensis is a species in the orchid family (Orchidaceae), named for the Department of Chocó, Colombia, where it was discovered.
| Chocó Restrepia | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Orchidaceae |
| Subfamily: | Epidendroideae |
| Genus: | Restrepia |
| Species: | R. chocoensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Restrepia chocoensis Garay 1973 | |
This rare epiphytic species has only been found on two occasions in the cool, damp montane forests of the Western Cordillera of Colombia at altitudes between 1,800 m to 2,000 m.
This tiny orchid lacks pseudobulbs. The erect, thick, leathery leaf is elliptic-ovate in shape. The aerial roots seem like fine hairs.
The flowers develop one at a time at the base of the leaf. They are borne on a slender peduncle, originating from the base of the back of the leaf. The long dorsal sepal is erect and ends in a somewhat thicker club-shaped tip. They have fused lateral sepals (synsepals), which splits at its end. They are quite colorful : tan overlaid with contrasting reddish-purple spots. The long, lateral petals equally end in a thickened club-shaped tip. The shorter lip is ovoid. It shows the same variations in color and markings.