Name: Lepanthes rudicula Luer & Hirtz

Etymology: The genus name Lepanthes is derived from the Greek lepis ("scale") and anthos ("flower"). The epithet rudicula comes from Latin and means "small wooden spoon" or "spatula"; it refers to the spatula-shaped form of the leaves.

First description: The species was described in 1996 by Carlyle A. Luer and Alexander Hirtz.

Origin / Habitat: Ecuador, in humid mountain forests of the provinces of Tungurahua, Napo, and Morona-Santiago at approximately 950–1500 m. It grows as a very small epiphyte.

Description & Notes: Very small Lepanthes with single, round to broadly elliptical leaves and dense, successively appearing tiny flowers. We cultivate it in shady to bright indirect light, with high humidity and good air circulation. We keep the substrate consistently moist. We cultivate it from warm to cool.