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.  😛