Jan 23 2025
Stanhopea are amongst the most impressive and beautiful of all orchids, with large fragrant flowers that hang from the plant. These fragrant flowers typically attract male euglossine bees, which collect fragrances from the flowers to then attract female euglossine bees. The plants are epiphytic, growing on tree branches, which allows their pendant flowers to hang downward. In cultivation, they are typically grown in open baskets to allow for their pendant flowers. Within Mexico, many Stanhopea are found in the Sierra Madrea Oriental. This iconic Mexican genus also serves as the symbol for Instituto Chinoin, a major center of orchid research in Mexico.