Name: Masdevallia empusa Luer

Etymology: The genus name Masdevallia commemorates the Spanish physician and botanist José Masdeval; empusa refers to a figure from Greek mythology and describes the unusual appearance of the flower.

Origin/Distribution: Ecuador and Peru.

Location/Habitat: Epiphytic miniature orchid of humid Andean cloud forests. Cultivate in shade to partial shade, cool to intermediate temperatures of approximately 12–23 °C, and with high humidity. Keep the fine, airy substrate consistently moist and ensure constant, gentle air circulation.

Description and Notes: Masdevallia empusa grows compactly in tufts without pseudobulbs. The flowers exhibit a light base color with purple to brownish-red markings and taper into long, narrow sepaline tails. The species tolerates short, moderate warm periods, but should be protected from stagnant heat. Low-calcium water is beneficial for the fine roots.