The genus Xylobium is in the family Orchidaceae in the major group Angiosperms (Flowering plants). I Xylobium is abbreviated Xyl in horticultural trade. There are about 37 species native to tropical America. Angiosperms are seed-bearing vascular plants. Their reproductive structures are flowers in which the ovules are enclosed in an ovary. Angiosperms are found in almost every habitat from forests and grasslands to sea margins and deserts. info – wikipedia
The plants can be found from Mexico to Brazil. They have elongated pseudobulbs with around three round leaves.
They grow best in defused light with warm temperatures. The humidity should stay between 40% – 70%. Water the plants regularly during growing season while allowing the roots to dry out thoroughly before the next watering.
To prevent leaf fungus or rot avoid water from touching the leaves. Reduce watering in winter. Pot plants in 75% fine bark and 25% perlite or in full sphagnum moss.
I took these photos in May while visiting Selby Orchid Gardens in Sarasota, Florida on Mother’s day.
I didn’t purchase this one since I have another of a different species. It is beginning to open it’s blooms right now. Another photo opportunity will happen soon. They’re so irresistible.
Frizz is challenging us today with the Letter X –
Do you have to share a story or a short reflection tagged with the letter “X”? – to join in –
July 2, 2014 at 6:35 am
cool details 🙂
LikeLike
July 2, 2014 at 4:22 pm
Those are high praises from someone like you, Joshi.
Thanks so very much. : )
LikeLike
June 26, 2014 at 4:26 pm
Wonderful shots!
LikeLike
June 28, 2014 at 8:52 pm
I wasn’t going to take the photo as it’s such an odd looking orchid. But, as we all do with photography, I thought it might come in handy. It did.
Thanks !!!! : )
LikeLike
June 25, 2014 at 3:23 pm
Interesting! These flowers look more like something a diver might see well beneath the sea eating urchin or something!! 😉
LikeLike
July 21, 2014 at 11:01 am
Orchids are very unusual in their appearance. The opening at the front is too attract bees or bugs. The pollen sticks to their feet and off they go to pollinate somewhere.
I think orchids have a strange way of drawing us in. I like your concept – underwater sea eating urchin. 😮
LikeLike
July 21, 2014 at 7:08 pm
🙂
LikeLike
June 23, 2014 at 7:38 pm
Beautiful..they look like sugar treats 😀 Pawkisses 🙂
LikeLike
June 23, 2014 at 9:16 pm
They do look delightfully delicious.
Sugar treats sound perfect. Xo
Thanks …
LikeLike
June 19, 2014 at 4:58 pm
Your orchids are lovely and I learned something, too. Sharing with my son’s MIL who grows orchids.
LikeLike
June 23, 2014 at 9:18 pm
Orchid growing can become addictive especially if you have success with new blooms. These are very unique.
Glad you enjoyed Ruth. : )
LikeLike
June 18, 2014 at 3:40 pm
you know what you are talking about, Issy “Xylobium is abbreviated Xyl in horticultural trade…”
LikeLike
July 21, 2014 at 10:58 am
Sometimes, Frizz, Sometimes …. 😳
LikeLike
June 18, 2014 at 3:27 pm
Great X!
LikeLike
June 23, 2014 at 9:20 pm
Letter X was a challenge. I’m grateful that orchids have a specie name with the letter.
Glad you liked my choice. : )
LikeLike
June 17, 2014 at 7:11 pm
That’s a pretty one and a great X 🙂
LikeLike
June 23, 2014 at 9:21 pm
Thanks … I love photographing and growing orchids.
LikeLike
June 17, 2014 at 6:04 pm
Ah, your beautiful orchids!!!! 🙂
LikeLike
July 21, 2014 at 10:57 am
xo ❤
LikeLike