Cattleya leopoldii

Cattleya leopoldii (also known and Cattleya tigrina), a native of Southern Brazilian coastal forests.  This is a large, warm growing, bifoliate Cattleya with wonderful, waxy, fragrant flowers.

Encyclia alboxanthina

Encyclia alboxanthina is one of my favorite Encyclia species, with long branching spikes of fragrant green, yellow and white flowers.  This species is found in Bahia, Brazil and is not seen in cultivation very often, probably because it gets quite large.

Cattleya amesthystoglossa

Cattleya amesthystoglossa is in season.  This particular clone has particularly large, brilliant spots.  This orchid species is a native of Brazil where it grows in hot, humid conditions along the coast in Bahia, Minas Gerais and Pernambuco.

On the Beach in Florianopolis, Brazil

On a very empty white sand beach in Florianopolis, Brazil. This was taken in October so the beach was a little nippy. Needless to say, none of us were in a hurry to get into swim shorts. Still, it was nice walking along the white sand beach. You can see the little clam shells that littered the sand as well.

Florianopolis, Brazil

Florianopolis, Brazil. Truly a charming island. Quiet, friendly atmosphere and long white sand beaches. This picture is of the houses for the rich foreigners, mainly Europeans, as I was told but then it's been a while.