Maxillaria cucullata Lindl

This is one of the most confused and misrepresented taxa of the entire genus. The true M. cucullata would appear to be quite rare in collections. Most examples of M. cucullata in peoples collections are usually forms of M. hematoglossa or M. punctostriata Rchb.f. In communications I had with Dr J.T. Atwood on the subject of Maxillaria a couple of years ago. He pointed out to me quite clearly Lindleys plate of M. cucullata shows a yellow flower flushed maroon. It is not stripped or spotted.

It is a quite hardy orchid, growing well in temperate to warmer climates as a bush house or landscape subject. Each psuedobulb can produce between 3-5 largish blooms on an erect inflorescence. Many books suggest, due to its confused identity, it is wide spread through out Central and South America. However, this definitely needs to be revised, and it is likely to have a limited distribution to northern Central America.