Orchid of the Week: Chysis aurea

My choice for this week’s orchid sort of looks like a cross between a Phalaenopsis (see the white bloom in my blog header) and a Cymbidium. The Chysis aurea is a beautiful orchid that is native to Mexico, Central America, and the northern parts of South America. Just take a look at these gorgeous blooms:

Chysis aurea
Image credit: rednaturaleza.com.ar

Photo credit: amortize, Flickr

I love the waxy, peachy tone of the bloom in the first image. It almost (but not quite) makes me want to take a bite out of it. That said, the spotted center of the blooms makes me think of strep throat. I would post a photo here for comparison but strep is a little gross-looking; if you’re interested, check out (Warning! icky medical pics!) these images on Google.

Despite the fact that this orchid reminds me of a bacterial infection, I still think it’s pretty. What exactly that says about me, I’m not sure.  😛

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2 comments

  1. Hi Sarah, glad I found your blog. Wish you had googleblog as it would be easier to follow your posts.
    Interesting posts, and I will be back to read more. The chysis, I had one that never bloomed for 7 years and I gave it to a friend and within a month it bloomed! I have yet to see a photo of it but I think it was like the first one on your blog. Cheers,Colette

  2. Thanks for commenting, Colette! I added your blog to my Google reader so that I can follow your posts. 🙂 Your blog is great as well! How funny that the chysis bloomed right after you gave it away. Hopefully it’s doing well.

    Have a great weekend!

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