Name: Restrepia mendozae Luer
Etymology: The genus Restrepia honors José Restrepo, a promoter of the natural sciences in Colombia. The specific epithet honors Hartman Mendoza, an Ecuadorian orchid enthusiast.
First described: In 1996 by Carlyle A. Luer.
Origin/Distribution: Ecuador.
Habitat: Epiphytic in cloud forests of the Cordillera del Cóndor, at about 1,500 m elevation. Suitable conditions are temperate, approximately 13–23 °C, with high humidity, filtered light, and gentle air movement.
Description and notes: Restrepia mendozae grows larger and more slender than many other species in the genus and produces side shoots only slowly. The small, intricately marked flowers appear singly near the base of the leaf. Mounting or a fine, airy substrate is suitable; keep the roots evenly moist.