Triotosiphon gnoma

I purchased this plant as Masdevallia or Acinopetala minuta, but it does not appear to be that species and I am pretty certain it is Masdevallia or Triotosiphon gnoma instead.  The plant is only 2 cm tall and the flowers are nearly that long.  Because the plant is so small and the flowers carried on such short peduncles, they lie close to the surface of the moss in which the plant is growing.  Seen close-up the flowers are nearly transparent and the inner parts of the flower are visible through the sides.  My plant is still very small, since it was only a couple of leaves when I got it and nearly died subsequently.  The species is from Ecuador.

Triotosiphon bangii

Masdevallia bangii or Triotosiphon bangii, now the correct name, is one of the smallest Masdevallias.  The plant shown is growing in a pot only 3-4 cm in diameter.  The tiny flowers are only millimeters in size and the plant only a few cm tall.  It is native to Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia.  This particular plant was awarded as a Masdevallia, however, and given a Certificate of Botanical Recognition by the American Orchid Society.  It is supposed to be tolerant of a range of temperatures, but I have found it a bit finicky, dropping leaves when not happy.  I keep it cool and moist.

Triotosiphon bangii 'John H' CBR/AOS

Masdevallia bangii is one of the smallest Masdevallias.  The plant shown is growing in a pot only 3-4 cm in diameter.  The tiny flowers are only millimeters in size and the plant only a few cm tall.  It is native to Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia.  Actually, the plant is no longer classified as a Masdevallia, but as Triotosiphon bangii.  This particular plant was awarded as a Masdevallia, however, and given a Certificate of Botanical Recognition by the American Orchid Society.  It is supposed to be tolerant of a range of temperatures, but I have found it a bit finicky, dropping leaves when not happy.  I keep it cool and moist.