Name: Masdevallia bennettii Luer
Synonyms:
Etymology: bennettii = in honor of David E. Bennett Jr., a significant expert on the orchid flora of Peru.
First description: 1978 by Carlyle August Luer in "Selenipedium".
Origin / Distribution: Peru (Central Cordillera).
Location / Habitat: Epiphytic, growing in cool, mossy mountain cloud forests at altitudes of approx. 1500 to 2000 m. It prefers very shady locations with constantly high humidity.
Description & Notes: Masdevallia bennettii is a delicate miniature orchid with upright, fleshy leaves. The flowers are particularly striking: they are tubular and end in very long, thread-like yellow tips (tails). The base color of the flower is often whitish to pale yellow, with intense violet or purple spotting or streaking inside the sepal tube.
In cultivation, the species strictly requires cool to intermediate conditions. Since it lacks pseudobulbs, the substrate (fine bark or sphagnum moss) must never dry out completely. A shady spot without direct sun and very good air circulation are crucial to prevent fungal diseases given the required high humidity (70–80%). The use of lime-free water is advisable for this sensitive highland species.