First bloom Phalaenopsis violacea

This Phalaenopsis violacea is from one of the the first batch of phal seedlings I obtained for this collection, so it does hold a bit of a sentimental value now that it is in bloom even though it has rather reflexed petals. It has great fragrance and I do enjoy the fine hypnotic patterns on the flower.

Phalaenopsis violacea (from Peninsular Malaysia) is very closely related to Phalaenopsis bellina (from Borneo) and have so far been accepted as separate species. Recently, there is another split in this species complex in the form of Phalaenopsis mentawaiensis (from Mentawai, West Sumatra) that exhibit very long racemes but with a flower form most similar to Phalaenopsis violacea. Because all three species used to be considered a single species (ie Phalaenopsis violacea), some line-bred "species" stocks are potentially intermixed hybrids.

Phalaenopsis violacea

"Wild" Dendrobium crumenatum

March was the flowering season for Dendrobium crumenatum in Kuching and I managed to take a few pictures of these numerous clumps. This species seems to establish readily in very exposed areas on the many planted ornamental trees and palms around the city. Not many species are able to do it so successfully, and this Dendrobium may just be in the process of outcompeting other orchid species in the urban environment. They do have a pleasant scent, which is a bonus.

Dendrobium crumenatum