Name: Lepanthes desmondleeana A.Doucette, H.Medina & J.Portilla
Synonyms:
Etymology: desmondleeana = named in honor of Desmond Lee, in recognition of his support of botanical research and conservation.

First described: April 2023 by Alfonso Doucette, Hugo Medina and José Portilla in the scientific journal Orchids (Lindleyana, 92: 295).
Origin / Distribution: Ecuador (endemic to the province of Azuay).
Location / Habitat: Epiphytic, growing in moist tropical montane and cloud forests at elevations of around 1,800 meters. It thrives in cool to intermediate climates with extremely high humidity year-round and constant fog or cloud cover.
Description & Notes: Lepanthes desmondleeana is a fascinating, very small miniature orchid with erect to ascending, branched shoots, enveloped by the genus-typical, microscopically hairy lepanthiform sheaths. The ovate, leathery leaves have slightly wavy margins. The dense, successively flowering inflorescence produces up to five delicate flowers one after another. The flowers feature striking yellow sepals that are reddish-brown towards the base and taper to fine tips, while the lip shines in a deep ruby to coral pink.

In cultivation, this specialty requires cool to intermediate conditions (optimal 15–22 °C) as well as a constantly very high humidity of 80–90%. Since these delicate plants do not have true storage organs, the substrate—preferably live sphagnum moss or the finest bark—must never dry out completely. A shaded to partially shaded location and continuous, gentle air movement are essential to prevent fungal diseases in the microclimate. Excellent for cultivation in display cases or moist terrariums.