New candidate for this month is Cattleya purpurata (f. striata 'Doraci' HCC/AOS x f. flamea 'Jean' AM/AOS).

Cattleya purpurata (previously known as Laelia purpurata), Lindl. & Paxton 1852 is accepted species by POWO (Kew). Found in Santa Catarina state of Brazil in the canopy of wooded hillsides, as a medium sizes, hot to cool growing pseudobulbous epiphyte.

There are several color forms of this species, including f. alba, f. carnea, f. flamea, f. rubra, f. sanguinea, f, striata and several other forms. 

Previous Awards:

There are 266 AOS awards for Cattleya purpurata, including different color forms and varieties. The latest award granted in Florida North-Central Center Monthly Judging in May 28, 2025.

Description:

There are 11 flowers on two upright inflorescences up to 40-cm tall (six flowers on one and 5 flowers on second inflorescence). Plant is 51-cm wide by 63-cm high. Plant growing in bark mix in 20-cm terracotta pot. 

Flower Measurements:

NS H - 16.3 cm;                   NS V -15.5 cm;

Dorsal Sep. W - 2.5 cm;    Dorsal Sep. L - 8.2 cm;

Petal W - 4.6 cm;               Petals L - 9.1 cm;

Lat/Sepal W - 2.5 cm;       Lat/Sepal L - 9.0 cm;

Lip/Pouch W - 5.2 cm;     Lip/Pouch L - 7.5 cm.