''Phragmipedium besseae'' is a species of orchid in the genus ''

Phragmipedium ''Phragmipedium'' is a genus of the Orchid family (Orchidaceae) (Subfamily Cypripedioideae) and the only genus comprised in the tribe Phragmipedieae and subtribe Phragmipediinae. The name of the genus is derived from the Greek ''phragma'', which ...

''. It is a terrestrial plant native to the wet

montane forest Montane ecosystems are found on the slopes of mountains. The alpine climate in these regions strongly affects the ecosystem because temperatures fall as elevation increases, causing the ecosystem to stratify. This stratification is a crucial ...

s on the eastern slope of the

Andes The Andes, Andes Mountains or Andean Mountains (; ) are the longest continental mountain range in the world, forming a continuous highland along the western edge of South America. The range is long, wide (widest between 18°S – 20°S ...

in Colombia,

Ecuador Ecuador ( ; ; Quechua: ''Ikwayur''; Shuar: ''Ecuador'' or ''Ekuatur''), officially the Republic of Ecuador ( es, República del Ecuador, which literally translates as "Republic of the Equator"; Quechua: ''Ikwadur Ripuwlika''; Shuar: ' ...

, and

Peru , image_flag = Flag of Peru.svg , image_coat = Escudo nacional del Perú.svg , other_symbol = Great Seal of the State , other_symbol_type = National seal , national_motto = "Firm and Happy f ...

.The Gore Orchid Conservatory http://www.goreorchidconservatory.com/SpecPgs/Phrag-besseae.html

Description

It has 13–30 cm long, 2–5 cm wide, dull green, keeled leaves. The inflorescence is 1-6 flowered, opening sequentially, up to 50 cm long, brown, pilose. It has flowers 6–9 cm wide, 1 to 2" (4 to 6.5 cm), pouch with translucent windows. ''Phragmipedium besseae'' produces long rhizomes.Slipperfreak 2007 ''Phragmipedium besseae'' http://www.orchidboard.com/node/122

References

External links

} besseae Orchids of Colombia Orchids of Ecuador Orchids of Peru Terrestrial orchids {{Cypripedioideae-stub