Cattleya purpurata Cattleya purpurata Cattleya purpurata, known in the past as Laelia purpurata and Sophronitis purpurata, is native to Brazil where it is very popular among orchid growers. It is an epiphyte that is found in the canopy of tall trees near coastal areas, in the Brazilian states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and São Paulo. The orchid favors bright light and cool to warm conditions and is relative easy to cultive. C. purpurata has been used extensively as a parent in hybridizing with Cattleyas. Cattleya purpurata blooms from late spring to fall with three to five flowers on a
Acanthus (plant) Acanthus (plant) Acanthus is a genus of about 30 species of flowering plants in the family Acanthaceae, native to tropical and warm temperate regions, with the highest species diversity in the Mediterranean Basin and Asia. This flowering plant is nectar producing and is susceptible to predation by butterflies, such as "Anartia fatima", and other nectar feeding organisms. Common names include Acanthus and Bear's breeches. The generic name derives from the Greek term ("akanthos") for "Acanthus mollis", a plant that was commonly imitated in Corinthian capitals. The genus comprises herbaceous perennial plants, rarely subshrubs, with spiny leaves and flower spikes bearing