Name: Masdevallia coccinea Linden ex Lindl.

Synonyms: Masdevallia coccinea var. harryana; Masdevallia denisoniana; Masdevallia militaris and other historical names.

Etymology: The genus name Masdevallia honors José de Masdevall, a Spanish physician and botanist. The epithet coccinea means "scarlet" and refers to the typical flower color.

First description: The species was published in 1846 by John Lindley based on material from Jean Linden.

Origin / Habitat: Colombia, especially in the high altitudes of the Andes, in moist montane forests and on rocky sites at about 2400–3000 m. It grows predominantly terrestrially, occasionally also epiphytically.

Description & Notes: Small, compactly growing Masdevallia with individual leathery leaves. The upright inflorescences each bear a striking, waxy flower; the flowers reach about 3.5–7.5 cm. We cultivate it in bright to partial shade, with very high humidity, good air movement, and consistently even moisture. We keep it cool, at about 8–21 °C, with significantly cooler nights.