Catasetum Orchidglade 'David Ranches'

In Explore November 13, 2009, #227.

This is a hybrid of Catasetum pileatum and Catasetum expansum. The finger-like projections under the column are triggers which when touched by an insect will cause the pollinia to shoot out and attach themselves with a very sticky adhesive pad to the back of an insect or the nose of someone whose curiosity has gotten the better of them. Insects (or humans) are attracted by the intensely sweet fragrance of the flowers.