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Laelia is a small genus of orchids in the family Orchidaceae, comprising about 11 species. Laelia species can be found in the subtropical or temperate climate of Central America, especially in Mexico. Most of Laelia species are epiphytes , but a few are lithophytes. They are closely related to Cattleya, with only the number of pollinia differing. Laelia is known as abbreviated L in horticultural trade.
Laelia is one of the most important and popular orchid genera, because of the beautiful flowers, their fairly easiness in culture, and their genetic properties. Laelia species have stems are usually short with ovate pseudobulbs of 6-30 cm long, with one or two leathery leaves, up to 20 cm long, develop from each pseudobulbs. In spring or autumn, pink or purple flowers with a deeper colored lip are grown in a raceme on top of the pseudobulbs.
L. anceps, 25 cm tall, is an evergreen and epiphytic orchid. It has oval, rigid leaves of 4-6 cm long. It bears lilac-pink flowers, 6 cm wide, each with a deep mauve lip, carried in tall spikes in autumn. This plant needs semi-shade in summer.
L. cinnabarina, 15 cm tall, is an evergreen and epiphytic orchid. It has narrowly oval, rigid leaves, 8-10 cm long. In winter, it produces spray of slender, orange flowers, 5 cm wide.
