Name: Porroglossum muscosum (Rchb.f.) Schltr. – golden

Synonyms: Masdevallia muscosa Rchb.f.; Masdevallia xipheres Rchb.f.; Porroglossum xipheres (Rchb.f.) Garay; Scaphosepalum xipheres (Rchb.f.) Schltr.

Etymology: Porroglossum combines the Greek porro, "forward," with glossa, "tongue," referring to the position of the lip. Muscosum means "mossy" and refers to the hairiness of the flower stalk. "Golden" is the trade name for this yellowish-flowering selection.

Original description: Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach described the species in 1875 as Masdevallia muscosa in The Gardeners’ Chronicle, new series, volume 3, page 460. Rudolf Schlechter transferred it to Porroglossum in 1920.

Origin/Distribution: The species is native to Colombia, Ecuador, and northwestern Venezuela.

Location/Habitat: It grows epiphytically in humid Andean forests; occurrences in Colombia are documented at approximately 1,800–2,700 m. In cultivation, we recommend a shady, humid spot, about 16–24 °C during the day and cooler nights, ideally not below 12 °C.

Description and notes: Small tufts with firm, somewhat wrinkled leaves bear hairy flower stalks. The yellowish flowers open successively and have elongated sepal tips. Particularly fascinating is the mobile lip, which reacts to touch. "Golden" designates a selection within the species. Loose, moisture-retentive substrate, soft water, and gentle air movement are crucial. Keep evenly moist, avoid waterlogging, and fertilize lightly.