Name: Masdevallia portillae Luer & Andreetta

Synonyms: Alaticaulia portillae (Luer & Andreetta) Luer.

Etymology: Masdevallia honors José Masdevall, a Spanish physician and botanist. The specific epithet portillae is a dedication to Portilla, an Ecuadorian orchid grower.

First description: Carlyle A. Luer and Andreetta published the species in 1978 in Selbyana, volume 2, page 378.

Origin/Distribution: Ecuador, Morona-Santiago province.

Habitat/Location: This small species grows epiphytically in humid forests at an altitude of approximately 1,000–1,700 m. It prefers shady to semi-shaded conditions with high humidity. In cultivation, we recommend a guideline of about 13–22 °C with slightly cooler nights, good air movement, and protection from the hot midday sun.

Description and notes: Strong short shoots each bear a single, leathery, elliptical leaf. The flowers open successively on upright inflorescences. The narrow dorsal sepal lies above the broadly fused lateral sepals, the tips of which extend into two short appendages. Therefore, do not remove existing inflorescences prematurely. We cultivate such small Masdevallias in an airy, fine bark substrate with a proportion of sphagnum moss. Keep consistently moist, avoid waterlogging, and use low-salt water. A distinct dry rest period is not necessary.