Name: Epidendrum escobarianum Garay

Etymology: The genus name Epidendrum is derived from the Greek epi (“upon”) and dendron (“tree”), referring to the epiphytic lifestyle of many species. The specific epithet escobarianum honors the Colombian orchid researcher Rodrigo Escobar.

First description: In 1967 by Leslie A. Garay in The Orchid Review, volume 75, page 280.

Origin/Distribution: Western Colombia.

Location/Habitat: Epiphytic in humid tropical montane and cloud forests. We find the species grows best under cool to intermediate conditions at around 12–22 °C, with high humidity and good, continuous air circulation. The location should be bright to partially shaded, but without intense direct midday sun. The root system should be kept evenly and slightly moist while also being very well aerated.

Description and Notes: Epidendrum escobarianum is an unusual, rather compact to creeping or pendulous-growing Epidendrum species. Its slender, branching shoots bear small ovate to lanceolate leaves, which can show an attractive purple cross-banding, especially when young. The striking flowers appear singly or in small numbers on the shoots and have very narrow, elongated sepals and a contrasting lip. Because of its creeping growth habit, the species is particularly well suited to cultivation on cork or tree fern; alternatively, we use a shallow pot with a fine, airy, slightly moisture-retentive substrate. A pronounced dry rest is not necessary.