AMATEUR orchid enthusiast Max Whitten (pictured) has shared a stunning photo of his Stanhopea wardeii in bloom. Acquired last October, this species originates from Nicaragua to Venezuela and is pollinated by the rare Euglossine ‘Golden Bee.’
“The orchid mimics the scent of the female bee, luring males to collect pollen,” Mr Whitten said. “Alas, my orchid is very unlikely to be pollinated. We don’t have this species of Golden Bee.”
Stanhopea orchids, known as ‘upside-down orchids,’ were once a mystery to growers until it was discovered their flower spikes emerge from below.
“These spectacular, fragrant blooms last just a few days, making each flowering a fleeting marvel,” Mr Whitten said.