Description

Tolumnia sylvestris

Tolumnia sylvestris was formerly classified as the equitant Oncidium sylvestre before being transferred to the genus Tolumnia. Despite its current classification, it has always struck us as quite different from what most growers think of as a typical Tolumnia. The foliage is noticeably smaller, thinner, and more delicate than that of many other species in the genus.

Curious about just how delicate this species truly is, we examined the herbarium specimen available through the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew’s Plants of the World Online database. The preserved material highlights the remarkably thin leaves and compact growth habit that make this species stand out among its relatives. Plants of the World Online (Kew Science)

Native to Cuba, Tolumnia sylvestris produces attractive pinkish-lavender flowers approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) across on slender inflorescences. The blooms are lightly fragrant and appear on surprisingly small plants. Given time, plants develop into beautiful specimen clumps that can carry numerous flowers.

Delicate in appearance yet rewarding to grow, Tolumnia sylvestris is an appealing species for collectors of miniature orchids, Caribbean orchids, and equitant oncidiums.

We’re selling divisions mounted on natural cork.