Name: Masdevallia carruthersiana F.Lehm. ex Kraenzl.

Synonyms: Alaticaulia carruthersiana (F.Lehm. ex Kraenzl.) Luer; Masdevallia margaretae Luer; Masdevallia torulosa Königer & J.Portilla.

Etymology: The genus name Masdevallia honors José de Masdevall, a Spanish physician and botanist. The epithet carruthersiana honors the British botanist William Carruthers.

First description: The species was described in 1925 by Friedrich Lehmann and Friedrich Kraenzlin.

Origin / Habitat: Southeastern Ecuador, especially in Morona-Santiago and Zamora-Chinchipe, in moist montane and cloud forests at approximately 1200–2500 m. It grows epiphytically.

Description & cultivation: Miniature orchid with slender, upright shoots and one leathery leaf each. The long, densely packed inflorescence produces flowers one after another over a long period; the flowers reach approximately 2 cm. We cultivate it in shade to bright indirect light, with high humidity, good air circulation, and consistent moisture. We keep it cool to cold, at approximately 7–20 °C.