Name: Gongora superflua Rchb.f.
Etymology:
The genus name Gongora was chosen in honor of the Spanish clergyman and statesman Antonio Caballero y Góngora. The specific epithet superflua comes from Latin and means "superfluous" or "excessive".


First description:
Gongora superflua was described in 1873 by Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach.
Origin / Distribution:
The species is native to Ecuador.
Location / Habitat:
It grows epiphytically in moist tropical forests and lives on trees where high humidity and good air circulation prevail.
Description & Notes:
Gongora superflua is a sympodially growing orchid with ribbed pseudobulbs and elongated, distinctly veined leaves. The inflorescences develop at the base of the pseudobulbs and hang downwards when mature. The unusually shaped flowers are typical of the genus Gongora and are closely related to their specialized pollination by scent-collecting bees.

In cultivation, the species prefers warm to moderate conditions, high humidity, filtered light, and good air circulation. A loose, highly airy orchid substrate helps to prevent waterlogging at the roots.