| Dracula fafnir | |||||||||||||||||
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Dracula fafnir is an epiphytic orchid in the genus Dracula.
Description[]
Dracula fafnir appears to be the product of an unfortunate series of taxonomic errors. The plant was submitted to Luer for identification by J & L Orchids of Easton, CT, with the suggestion that it had come from southeast Ecuador. Luer named the material he had received "Dracula fafnir" and noted it was not particularly attractive. The plant, or what is believed to be the plant, subsequently bloomed out as Dracula venosa, and no other plants have ever been found in cultivation or the wild that match the description of D. fafnir. Most likely a mislabeled plant had an aberrant bloom (which is not at all uncommon for Draculas), leading ultimately to a taxon being created erroneously.
Distribution[]
It is unlikely this species exists, or ever existed, in the wild or cultivation. It is said to be found in Northeastern Ecuador according to the Kew monocot list.
Culture[]
Keep plant in partial shade. Plant can be grown in cold to cool conditions. Pot the plant in fine bark with perlite or sphagnum moss. Water regularly and keep potting media moist.
Naming[]
Etymology: The clever, but unfortunately wasted name comes from Fafnir of Norse legends, a giant who turned himself into a dragon so as to guard the horde of gold (and powerful ring) he had obtained.
Common name: Fafnir's Dracula.
References[]
- Hermans, Johan & Clare. Orchid Digest special publication: An Annotation Checklist on the Genus Dracula. Orchid Digest Corp., 1997.
