Acineta is a genus
of orchids that is part of the Stanhopeinae, and is native from Mexico to South
America. They are large plants with big
pseudobulbs that have 2-4 leaves per pseudobulb. The inflorescences can be 11.8 to 27.5 inches
(30 to 70 cm) long. This orchid is
native to moist cloud forests of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and
Panama. It is found at elevations from 4,265 feet (1,300 m), and is a warm to
cool growing orchid. I grow this species
outside with Stanhopea on the north
facing side of my house in partial shade.
 |
| Acineta chrysantha inflorescence |
The flowers of this species are waxy and up to 2.5 inches (6
cm) wide. They open partially and are
carried on long inflorescences to 27.5 inches (70 cm) long with up to 30
flowers. The flowers have a base color
of deep or golden yellow with reddish spots on the petals and sepals. The labellum has large deep red spots and
splotches. The column, in contrast, is
ivory white and minutely hairy at the base.
The fragrance of these orchids is rather complex, but ranges more toward
a ginger or ginger beer fragrance. I
have heard of this species having a vanilla fragrance, but my variety has a
more complex and intense scent.
 |
| Acineta chrysantha flower |
This orchid has always bloomed for me in late summer and
early fall. The flowers last much longer
than most Stanhopea, from two weeks,
sometimes up to three weeks if the weather is cool. The plant requires a cool and semi-dry rest
period in early winter to induce blooms.
The first inflorescences grow out of the basket in July and take about
2-3 months to mature and open.
