About Peristeria elata Hook.
Peristeria elata Hook. is an orchid species with elongated, ovoid pseudobulbs that grow up to 12 cm (4.7 in) high and are not swollen. Each pseudobulb bears four folded leaves that can reach 1 meter in length and 15 cm (5.9 in) in width. Flowers emerge from the base of the pseudobulb, with each growth producing 4 to 12 individual flowers. The flowers have an intense marble white base color marked with purple spots; the anther and pistil are yellow, and the central part of the flower forms a distinct dove shape. The flower's scent is similar to beer, and blooming occurs between July and October. This epiphytic species is found in Central America, northwestern South America, and South India, with its overall geographic range extending from Costa Rica to Peru. In Panama, this species was once abundant in very humid mountain forests. It grows as an epiphyte on moss-covered tree trunks at an elevation of approximately 1,100 meters. In its natural habitat, this orchid grows close to ground level in mature forests.
