Cattleya an aromatic flower of May

Cattleya an aromatic flower of May begins blooming with its lovely colors in May. Also known as ‘corsage orchid’ as in olden days fashionable ladies used Cattleya as corsage in weddings and parties.  It was in 1817, William Swainson discovered this plant in Pernambuco, Brazil and had it identified by the Glasgow Botanic Gardens. The species Cattleya labiate is accepted as the national flower of Brazil. However, Cattleyas grow in varied ecosystems around the world. Did you know, Cattleya is Brazil’s national flower?

 

Speciality of Cattleya an aromatic flower of May

Cattleya belongs to the family Orchidaceae, the genus having 116 species. As we know the Orchidaceae family is rich having 880 genera. Cattleya an aromatic flower of May is a very popular for its beautiful combination of colors and the floral diagram. Cattleya is a perennial herb. The flowers bloom once a year in May and amazing stays 3 to 6 weeks. The hybrid species bloom more often.

Cattleya orchids are epiphytes or plants that absorb nutrients from the air.  They are able to grow without soil. The special roots contained are used to absorb nutrients from the atmosphere, humus, rainwater and bird litter. The horizontal stem is the rhizome. Roots grow from the rhizome. Cattleyas have thickened stem called ‘pseudobulbs’. A pseudobulb refers to an individual “shoot” of a sympodial orchid at the base of leaves. In a sympodial growth pattern, the apical meristem terminates to grow followed by growth of lateral meristem. These also carry out photosynthesis along with their fleshy leaves that collect nutrients and water for dry offseasons. The roots of orchids are for holding on to the tree trunks, shrubs, rocks and any substrate.

The beauty of aromatic Cattleya

Cattleyas are not only aromatic but also pretty flowers. The flowers are large and showy ranging from 5 to 15 cm in size.  They are found in all colors except black and blue. Many of them are shaded with spots and designs that attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, birds, moths. A typical Cattleya a flower of May usually consist of

1. Sepals – 3 usually of equal size.
2. Petals – 3 petals. 2 are of the same size, 1 is modified to form a structure called Lip
3. Lip or Labellum 1, known to be landing place of pollinators.
4. Column – Finger-like that carries the stigmatic surface (female reproductive organ organs) and the pollinia (male organs) under the anther cap.

The attractiveness of Cattleya is due to its pretty floral design and aromatic nature that entices happiness in the mind.

Benefits of an aromatic flower Cattleya

1. Aesthetic value- beautifies homes, houses, fences, gates landscapes, hedges, etc.
2. Environment – Air freshener because it is aromatic and scented
3. Dried flowers- Added with other flowers for clothing freshening
4. Extracts – used for soap, powders, beauty agents for health and hygiene
5. High Economic value as gifts for all occasions.

The aromatic flower Cattleya can give joy and happiness due to their beauty and fragrance. Drop in with a bouquet of Cattleya to a friend to reinforce your relationship in the month of May. Enjoy a loved one’s birthday with Cattleya an aromatic flower of May.