Name: Porroglossum mordax (Rchb.f.) H.R.Sweet

Synonyms: Masdevallia mordax Rchb.f.; Porroglossum colombianum Schltr.; Lothiania mordax (Rchb.f.) Kraenzl.; Masdevallia colombiana (Schltr.) P.H.Allen; Scaphosepalum antioquiense Kraenzl.

Etymology: The genus name Porroglossum refers to the distinctive shape of the genus's lip. The epithet mordax is derived from Latin and means "biting" or "sharp".

First description: The species was described in 1886 by Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach as Masdevallia mordax; the combination Porroglossum mordax was published in 1970 by Henry Robert Sweet.

Origin / Habitat: Colombia, in the Andes at approximately 1700–2400 m. It grows epiphytically in moist montane forests.

Description & Care: Small, compactly growing orchid with the characteristic flowers of the genus Porroglossum. We cultivate it in bright to slightly shaded conditions, with high humidity, good air circulation and consistent moisture. The substrate should not dry out completely. We keep it cool to temperate, at approximately 12–20 °C.