Brassia caudata aka Cricket Orchid

Brassia caudata, also known as the tailed Brassia, spider orchid, or cricket orchid, is a species of medium-sized, epiphytic orchid found in the warmer parts of the Western Hemisphere. It is widespread across various regions, including southern Mexico, Central America, southern Florida, the Greater Antilles, Trinidad, and northern South America. This orchid has elliptic, dark green leathery leaves that can grow up to 30cm long and 2.5-8cm wide. Its pseudobulbs, which are flattened with sharp edges, can reach up to 14cm long and 3.5cm wide and bear a pair of leaves at the tip. Brassia caudata blooms in autumn and spring, producing up to 20 flowers on arching stems that can be 45cm long. Each flower is approximately 3.5cm wide and 15cm long. The petals and sepals of these flowers are long and narrow, predominantly yellow with darker brown markings. The unique shape of the flowers has evolved to resemble spiders, attracting wasp species that facilitate successful pollination. The Brassia genus, commonly referred to as spider orchids, is known for its peculiar sepal shapes that resemble spider legs. The scientific name Brassia is derived from William Brass, the botanist involved in its original collection. Spider orchids can be found in rainforest-like conditions, ranging from Mexico to South America, with a particular concentration in the Andes Mountains of Peru.