Name: Trichosalpinx ciliaris (Lindl.) Luer

Synonyms: Stelis ciliaris, Apatostelis ciliaris, Stelis atropurpurea, Stelis confusa.

Etymology: ciliaris means "ciliate" and refers to the ciliated margins of the floral organs.

Original description: John Lindley described the taxon in 1836; the current combination in Trichosalpinx comes from Carlyle A. Luer in 1983.

Origin / Habitat: From Mexico through Central America and the northern Andes to Bolivia. The species grows epiphytically in humid tropical and premontane forests, from sea level to medium altitudes.

Description & Notes: Small epiphytic orchid with sturdy shoots enclosed by sheaths and single leathery leaves. The flowers appear on long, loose inflorescences. In our care, it grows in bright to semi-shaded conditions with high humidity and good air circulation. We cultivate it at intermediate temperatures, approximately 16–25 °C.