Lycaste

Lycaste, genus of about 30 species of tropical American orchids (family Orchidaceae). Lycaste species are perennial and can be epiphytic or terrestrial. Several species and hybrids are cultivated.

The plants have a thick egg-shaped pseudobulb (swollen stem) with one to three large folded leaves that fall before the long-lasting flowers die. A number of flower stalks grow from the base of each pseudobulb. The sepals of Lycaste flowers are characteristically larger than the petals and frequently have contrasting colours. The flowers of several species are fragrant.