Name: Scaphosepalum breve f. xanthinum Luer
Etymology: The genus name Scaphosepalum is derived from the Greek words skaphe (skiff/boat) and sepalum (sepal), referring to the boat-like fused sepals. The specific epithet breve originates from the Latin adjective brevis (short) and refers to the short growth habit of the inflorescences or plant parts. The form designation xanthinum traces back to the Greek word xanthos (yellow) and refers to the yellow flower coloration.

First description: 1988 by Carlyle August Luer in Icones Pleurothallidinarum V: Systematics of Dresslerella and Scaphosepalum. Monographs in Systematic Botany from the Missouri Botanical Garden 26: 34.
Origin / Distribution: Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Location / Habitat: Epiphytic in humid tropical mountain forests at altitudes of approximately 1,200 to 2,400 m.
Description & Notes: Scaphosepalum breve f. xanthinum is a miniature, epiphytically growing orchid. The plant grows in clumps (caespitose) and forms slender stems (ramicauls) without pseudobulbs, which are enveloped by tubular sheaths. Each shoot bears a single, erect, leathery leaf at the apex, ranging from elliptical to spatulate in shape, which narrows towards the base into a short petiole.

The inflorescences arise laterally from the base of the shoots and produce small individual flowers in succession on a short axis. This form differs from the type species by its pale yellow to bright yellow flower coloration. The lateral sepals are fused together as is typical for the genus and possess thickened, cushion-like outgrowths (ospheosystems).

In cultivation, the species prefers shaded to semi-shaded conditions with temperate to cool temperatures and constantly high humidity. The substrate should be well-draining and kept consistently moist, while waterlogging is to be avoided. It is excellent for mounting on cork or fern root supports as well as for cultivation in a display case or terrarium.