Lycaste is a genus of approximately 30 orchid species in the family Orchidaceae (order Asparagales), native primarily to Mexico and Central America. Plants are characterised by prominent egg-shaped pseudobulbs bearing thin, pleated (plicate) leaves, and by their showy, solitary flowers carried one per stem. Each flower follows the standard orchid plan of three sepals and three petals; the sepals are typically yellow, orange, green, or reddish-brown, while the petals are most often yellow, white, or orange, and may be sparsely or densely spotted with red or purple. The ornamental lip (ventral petal) varies considerably among species — similar to the other petals in some, distinctively coloured in others. Flower size averages 5–10 cm across, though Lycaste schilleriana stands out as the largest member of the genus at 16–18 cm. Several species are pleasantly fragrant; the scent of Lycaste aromatica has been described variously as cinnamon or clove.
The genus is divided into four sections based on growth habit and morphology. Section Deciduosae comprises deciduous species that drop their leaves during an annual dormant period; most develop sharp spines at the pseudobulb apices when leaves fall. Within Deciduosae, Subsection Xanthanthae bears yellow-to-orange blooms, while Subsection Paradeciduosae produces pink-marked white flowers. Section Longisepalae is defined by notably elongated sepals. Section Macrophyllae (from Greek makros + phyllon, large leaf) encompasses evergreen species that retain foliage through dormancy. Section Fimbriatae, characterised by fringed lips, was significantly reduced by a 2002 taxonomic revision that transferred most of its members to the newly erected genus Ida; the 34 recognised Ida species are centred in South America and the Caribbean.
In horticulture Lycaste is abbreviated Lyc. and has given rise to several intergeneric hybrid genera, including Angulocaste (Anguloa × Lycaste) and Zygocaste (Lycaste × Zygopetalum), reflecting the genus's broad compatibility and popularity among orchid growers.
Distribution
Lycaste species occur mainly in Mexico and Central America. Following a 2002 revision that separated the South American and Caribbean members into the genus Ida, the geographic range of true Lycastes is concentrated in the neotropical highlands of Mesoamerica.
Taxonomy Notes
The World Checklist of Selected Plant Families (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew), recognised by the American Orchid Society as the definitive authority on orchid taxonomy, acknowledges 31 Lycaste species, 3 natural hybrids, 2 subspecies, and 1 variety. A 2002 revision removed most Section Fimbriatae members to the new genus Ida. Three naturally occurring hybrids are documented: L. × groganii (L. aromatica × L. deppei), L. × michelii (L. cochleata × L. lasioglossa), and L. × smeeana (L. deppei × L. skinneri).
Cultivation
Lycaste orchids are widely cultivated by orchid enthusiasts and collectors. Deciduous species typically require a pronounced dry rest during dormancy; most Deciduosae develop spine-tipped pseudobulbs after leaf drop, which is a normal seasonal cue. Growers and collectors tend toward taxonomic splitting, recognising additional subspecies, varieties, and alba (white) forms beyond those accepted by the Kew Checklist. The genus is noted for intergeneric hybrid compatibility, most prominently with Anguloa (producing Angulocaste hybrids).
