Cattleya walkeriana Cattleya walkeriana Cattleya walkeriana (Walker's cattleya) is a species of orchid. It differs from most species of "Cattleya" by having inflorescences which arise from the rhizome instead of from the apex of the pseudobulb. In its native habitat (Brazilian Central Plateau) it grows as either an epiphyte or a lithophyte, sometimes in full sun. Pseudobulbs are relatively short, bulbous or fusiform, with one or two ovate leaves at the apex. Inflorescence is one- or few-flowered, about 8" (20 cm) tall. Flowers are 4-5" (9-12 cm) across. Genetically "C. walkeriana" is close to bifoliate Cattleyas. The diploid chromosome number of "C.
Cattleya labiata have large white flowers with a touch of yellow. There is another variety of semialba, with lilac in the inferior part of the flower. This plant is an epiphyte, growing up in trees, where light is plentiful. However, there are also many other places where this plant could grow, such as directly on rock with very little soil. The plant itself is a medium-sized unifoliate (labiate) "Cattleya", with a medium-sized rhizome. The plant has long leaves, with a tough (coriaceous) consistency because of the aridity in the canopy of trees, due to a short dry season. For water requirements, the