Name: Trisetella pantex (Luer) Luer

Synonyms: Masdevallia pantex Luer

Etymology: The genus name Trisetella refers to the three conspicuously elongated sepals of the flowers. The specific epithet pantex comes from Latin and means “belly,” referring to the characteristically swollen synsepal.

First description: Carlyle A. Luer first described the species in 1978 as Masdevallia pantex; in 1980, he transferred it to the genus Trisetella.

Origin/Distribution: Ecuador.

Location/Habitat: Epiphytic in humid mountain and cloud forests. We grow this miniature orchid in cool to intermediate conditions at about 12–20 °C, with high humidity, gentle, continuous air movement, and bright, filtered light. Its very fine roots should be kept evenly moist and should not be allowed to dry out completely.

Description and notes: Trisetella pantex grows compactly in clumps, with small, narrow leaves. Its delicate flowers have long, slender sepal tails and a distinctly swollen synsepal. Its small size makes this species an excellent choice for terrariums, display cases, and other growing spaces with controlled humidity.