Masdevallia ayabacana was named after the Ayabaca Province in northwestern Peru. Its is a medium to large size epiphyte where it grows in the cloud forests at altitudes of 1200-1800 meters. I grow mine potted in EpiWeb substrate on the bottom of the cool vivarium, but it is quite tolerant to warmer temperatures as well. It boasts a very long inflorescence of about about 35cm and it keeps growing longer with the succession of each new flower, usually 2-3 per spike. The impressive flowers are colorful, large and fleshy. Mine measure about 2,5 cm wide and 22 cm tall.
The 500 species strong genus Masdevallia has actually been divided into 10 subgenera and 13 sections, but for some reason the Royal Botanical Gardens (Kew) do not recognize these and list all subgenera and section names as synonyms. Masdevallia ayabacana is listed under the Subgenus Masdevallia in the showy section Durae. However, the famous taxonomist Dr. Luer recognize the whole section Durae as its own genus, Regalia. In other words – a mess!! In any case… Regalia is genus (or whatever) characterized by a large habit, thick leaves and large, fleshy, long-lasting flowers and most with extremely long tails. I love this whole section, and M. ayabacana is without a doubt its queen!
Hi,
My name is César and I was really happy to see someone else who is very much into the same group of Masdevallias as I am. I currently keep M. ayabacana, goliath, panguiensis, princeps, regina, & titan, and many of their primary and secondary hybrids. I am glad to see you have such nice success with epiweb, a substance I have never used before but am considering.
I wrote a small article on section Durae about a year ago and thought you might be interested in it. Let me know and I can send it to you.
Hi César, yes I do love Masdevallia and the section Durae is just spectacular! I really like EpiWeb, it is a nice alternative to xaxim, although it does not hold as much water so you need to compensate for that. I would love to read your article, contact me directly.