
Masdevallia amanda
Masdevallia amanda Rchb.f. & Warsz., Bonplandia 2: 115, 1854
Syn.: Spilotantha amanda (Rchb.f. & Warsz.) Luer, Monogr. Syst. Bot. Missouri Bot. Gard. 105: 15. 2006.
Type: Ecuador (holotype, W).
Illustrated specimen: Colombia, Santander, Provincia de Vélez, Municipio de La Belleza, Vereda Vista Hermosa, edge of the forest, 2570 m, mountain pluvial forest, 18 jul. 2016, N. Gutiérrez M. 018 (JBB; LCDP voucher).
Masdevallia amanda are usually small, but depending upon the habitat, is variable in size and color of the flowers, and in the lengths of the inflorescences, from short to elongate. Impoverished plants may produce only one flower, very often, the racemes are loosely two to four flowered, but sometimes as many as seven or eight flowers are present. A delicate strap connects the base of the lip to the tip of the extension of the column-foot, or just under the tip of the extension as in subgenus Meleagris. Is relatively frequent in Ecuador, all three cordilleras of Colombia, westernmost Venezuela, and less frequent as far as southern Ecuador.
LCDP: Masdevallia amanda Rchb.f. & Warsz. A. Habit. B. Flower. C. Dissected perianth. D. Ovary with column and lip, E. Colum side, ventral and dorsal view. F. Lip and petal. G. Anther cap and pollinia. . .