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1. Every Friday post a photo that includes one or more flowers.
2. Please only post photos you have authority to use.
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Thursday 14 April 2016

FFF230 - MILTONIA

Miltonia, abbreviated Milt. in the horticultural trade, is an orchid genus formed by nine epiphyte species and eight natural hybrids inhabitants of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, one species reaching the northeast of Argentina and east of Paraguay. This genus was established by John Lindley in 1837, when he described its type species, Miltonia spectabilis.

Many species were attributed to Miltonia in the past, however, today, the species from Central America and from cooler areas on northwest of South America have been moved to other genera. Miltonia species have large and long lasting flowers, often in multifloral inflorescences. This fact, allied to being species that are easy to grow and to identify, make them a favourite of orchid collectors all over the world. Species of this genus are extensively used to produce artificial hybrids.

Despite the fact that Miltonia is now a well established genus, most of its species were originally classified under other genera as Cyrtochilum, Oncidium, Odontoglossum, and Brassia. All were discovered between 1834 and 1850 with the exception of M. kayasimae, discovered only in 1976. These epiphytic orchids occur from Central to Southern Brazil down to Argentina.

These orchids have two leaves, arising from a pseudobulbs, covered with a foliaceous sheath. The inflorescence consists of waxy, nonspurred flowers. The lip is large and flat and lacks a callus at its base. They possess a footless column with two hard pollinia. The flowers have a delicate, exotic scent, some compare to that of roses. They are named after Charles Wentworth-Fitzwilliam, 5th Earl Fitzwilliam, formerly Viscount Milton, an English orchid enthusiast.

The species in this genus are sometimes referred to as the "pansy orchids", but it is the Miltoniopsis orchids that have flowers that closely resemble the pansy. Almost everyone except for the most serious orchid hobbyists use the name pansy orchids interchangeably, which may cause confusion. Miltonia looks more like Oncidiums than the other pansy orchids. The most "pansy-like" a Miltonia can get is the species Miltonia spectabilis.

The one shown here is "Miltonia Lavender Glade" ( Milt. spectabilis var. moreliarta X "Milt Belle Glade"). Easy to grow, has a nice scent and is free- flowering. It is a plant that will give much pleasure and few hassles!

Join me for Floral Friday Fotos by linking your flower photos below, and please leave a comment once you have done so. If you take part in the meme, please show an active link back to this site on your own blog post!

20 comments:

  1. Thanks for letting me know it was a lotus on my blog:):) I'm regularly wrong as it pertains to flowers (but I don't mind - can't be an expert on every subject:)). This orchid has be beautiful color - can't remember seeing this one! Enjoy your weekend!

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  2. Beautiful colour! Groetjes Hetty

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  3. Hello Nick,
    It is such fun to travel round the entries and see the flowers in other places. Thank you for running this meme.

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  4. I love this site, always enjoy your posts. My second entry has some fabric with poinsettia designs—hope that's OK!

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  5. Hello Nick,
    so beautiful blossoms, so lovely!
    Have a nice weekend,
    moni
    http://www.reflexionblog.de

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  6. Beautiful purple orchids! Fantastic! Thank you for linking to Today's Flowers and I wish for you a very happy weekend :)

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  7. Heisann, so beautiful. Have a nice weekend ;:OD)

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  8. Lovely orchid. Have a blessed weekend.

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  9. Beautiful capture and nice reading its fact!

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  10. Very pretty purple petals! Too bad they don't grow in my town, Milton!

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  11. I like your shot......
    Have a nice weekend.

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  12. I love this beautiful color !!
    Greetings

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  13. "Miltonia Lavender Glade" - what a wonderfull Flower, Nick!
    Greetings, Nicole

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  14. Hi, I just found your blog through OBW, wonderful flower shots here! Have a good day, Manuela

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  15. I've never seen this one before, thanks for sharing! Have a great weekend!
    Best wishes,
    Annie

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  16. Miltonia, I did not know this beautiful orchid. The color is uniquely beautiful and definitely a highlight in the garden. Thank you for sharing,Nick, have a wonderful week, Carmen

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